Geriatric psychologists provide mental health care for older adults, diagnosing and treating a variety of psychological issues that affect the elderly. They may work with individual patients or groups, and may also communicate with caregivers and physicians. They specialize in identifying common aging issues such as depression and dementia, and may work with geriatric psychiatrists for drug treatment or other medical therapies.
A geriatric psychologist provides mental health care for older adults. Specially trained in therapeutic practices, individuals working in this field are able to diagnose and treat a variety of psychological issues that affect the elderly. A geriatric psychologist may also communicate with an elderly patient’s caregivers and physicians in an effort to ensure that physical challenges related to mental health are properly treated or monitored.
As humans age, a variety of physical changes and emotional issues can adversely impact mental health. As a result, seniors may need the help of a geriatric psychologist to deal with the problems of aging. Professionally trained to identify common aging issues such as depression and dementia, a geriatric psychologist is often the first person to identify the underlying causes of certain behavioral changes and refer a patient to another physician for medical attention when needed.
Some of the distinct issues a geriatric psychologist can help with are: age-related depression, anxiety, psychosocial changes, and grief management. Declining geriatric mental health is often linked to chronic pain and illness. A geriatric psychologist is specially trained to recognize these issues and help patients discover healthy ways to cope with pain and illness.
A geriatric psychologist may work with an individual patient or may provide counseling to a group of patients. Indeed, it is not uncommon for these professionals to be found working in group care facilities such as nursing homes. Some also work with family members and caregivers on creating strategies to help patients maintain a sense of purpose and vitality.
Psychologists specializing in geriatric care have published books and other written materials to help society better understand the aging process. Older people are often portrayed as helpless or useless in some parts of the world. These harmful stereotypes contribute to the fear and depression that some people face as they age, but many experts in geriatric care work to combat these misconceptions by promoting strategies for healthy aging and emphasizing the importance of older people in society.
A geriatric psychologist may also work closely with physicians who specialize in geriatric psychiatry. If a patient’s mental health requires drug treatment or other medical therapies, a geriatric psychiatrist is best suited to provide mental health assistance, as these professionals are trained in both psychology and medicine. For example, in severe cases of depression or other mental illness, a psychiatrist may be more dependent on medical treatment, as individuals who specialize only in geriatric psychology are not trained in medical procedures or general geriatric medicine.
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