The Geropsychiatric Interview- Assessment and Diagnosis

The population of elderly persons is growing with extraordinary rapidity. Although the majority enjoys good health, many older people suffer from multiple illnesses and significant disability. They tend to exhibit great medical complexity and vulnerability; have illnesses with atypical and obscure presentations; suffer major cognitive, affective, and functional problems; are especially vulnerable to iatrogenesis; are often socially isolated and economically deprived; and are at high risk for premature or inappropriate institutionalization.