Geriatric psychiatry

Geriatric psychiatry is a medical speciality focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health problems in older adults. It is also known as geropsychiatry or psychogeriatrics.

Common diseases

For whom?

As people age, they may experience various physical and mental health issues, and older adults may be more susceptible to certain mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, dementia, and delirium. Geriatric psychiatrists are trained to understand the unique challenges of diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in older adults and to provide specialised care that considers the physical, psychological, and social aspects of ageing.

Geriatric psychiatrists work with a team of healthcare professionals, including primary care physicians, psychologists, social workers, nurses, and occupational therapists, to provide comprehensive care for older adults with mental health issues. They may also work with families and caregivers to provide education and support in managing the care of older adults with mental health issues.

Overall, geriatric psychiatry is an important field that helps ensure that older adults receive the care they need to maintain good mental health and quality of life as they age.

Common diseases

Mental disorders (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia and other psychoses, disorders related to stress factors or traumatic events, addictions, etc.)
Mild cognitive disorders (memory, attention, language, gesture performance, recognition, etc.) and dementia, especially when accompanied by psychological and/or behavioural disturbances
Impact of general diseases on mental health (and vice versa)
Therapeutic strategies and specific pharmacology
Neuroimaging of mental and cognitive ageing with, for example, the implementation of a quantitative brain imaging protocol (measurement of brain volumes) in collaboration with the Bernese Jura Imaging Institute
Ageing process and ethical considerations
Risk factors and prevention
Organisation of care networks, supervision of outpatient and residential care facilities
Coordination of paramedical measures (occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy, etc.)
Insurance expertise
Knowledge transfer

For whom?

We welcome patients aged 65 and over with mental disorders that meet the above-mentioned indications.

In some cases, this service can be used for younger patients with problems requiring specialist advice (neurocognitive disorders before the age of 65, psychiatric disorders whose characteristics change over the course of a lifetime such as bipolar disorders or schizophrenia after the age of 50, etc.).