Psychiatric disorders in geriatric medical/surgical patients. Part II: Review of clinical experience in consultation.

Of a consecutive series of 1,000 psychiatric consultation requests, 195 were for patients 60 years of age or older. The most frequent psychiatric diagnoses assigned by the consultant were organic psychiatric and depressive spectrum disorders. This communication reviews frequently encountered syndromes and the other major clinical issues relevant to geriatric psychiatry and provides illustrative cases. The mental status examination is a sensitive diagnostic tool that can improve the clinician's diagnostic skills. We conclude that screening the elderly medically ill patient for these psychiatric disorders will improve patient care and significantly diminish morbidity.