Current Projects in GeroPsychiatry
Life expectancy from birth has increased
dramatically in the United States, from 49 years in 1900
to 76.5 years at present. This trend has led to massive
shifts in the age composition of the population, with an
attendant need for more and better health services for older
adults. This includes a critical need for mental health
services for the elderly as it is estimated that at least
12% of older adults in the community have diagnosable mental
disorders, and 30-50% of elderly individuals in medical
settings have mental disorders.
Older adults experience the same broad spectrum
of psychiatric problems as younger individuals, however
there are some conditions which are of particular importance
because of their increased frequency among older populations
including neurodegenerative conditions and serious mental
illnesses which are affected by the aging process.
Research in Geropsychiatry in the Department
of Psychiatry has focused on increasing understanding of
treatments and health services delivery patterns that are
most effective for older adults with serious mental illnesses.
This has included a particular focus on late life bipolar
disorder and late life schizophrenia.
Ongoing studies involve health services
studies in late life bipolar disorder and assessments of
the effects of menopause/post-menopausal state on women
with mood disorders and psychotic disorders. Current funding
is supported by the National
Institute of Mental Health, and by pharmaceutical companies.
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