Geriatric psychiatry in primary care - A focus on ambulatory settings

Primary care physicians are challenged by the fact that much of the psychiatric morbidity in the elderly population, which is substantial, is seen in their offices. Although chart review studies tend to underestimate the degree to which mental health problems are recognized and addressed in this setting, primary care physicians would benefit from improved education in regards to such problems. The best approach to improving mental health care of the elderly will be through cooperative efforts of the various medical disciplines and other mental health care professionals.