Goals and Objectives

Geropsychiatry Clinics Goals and Objectives

At the end of this rotation, residents will display the following:

Knowledge of the techniques and interview styles used in the evaluation of older adults with sensitivity to cognitive disorders what are common in this population.
Knowledge of the multiple medical disorders that are co-morbid with and often precipitate psychiatric symptoms in older adults.
Knowledge regarding the multiple systems of families, caregivers and agencies necessary for the treatment of many older adults.
Knowledge of the various pharmacological modalities used in treating psychiatric disorders in older adults and the literature related to their effectiveness.
Knowledge of the psychopharmacologic interventions used in the treatment of cognitive disorders in older adults
Knowledge of the indications and possible side effects for each of the treatments listed above.

Ability to complete in depth assessments to determine the correct diagnosis while attending to possible co-morbid medical and neuropsychiatric diagnoses.
Ability to treat patients and their families using the mode of treatment most suitable for the patient in their current situation..
Ability to educate patients and families regarding psychiatric and cognitve disorders in the older adult population.
Ability to collaborate effectively with other members of the treatment team, such as primary care physicians and other therapists
Ability to understand and use neuropsychological data , various imaging and laboratory data to arrive at the correct diagnosis and treatment plan for each individual.

Respect for the patient's and the family's stress during evaluation and treatment of psychiatric disorders in older individualsfor whom this ay be the first contact with psychiatry.
Willingness to explain and discuss findings to patients, caregivers and their families
Respect for, and communication with , referring physicians, therapists and caregivers to optimize treatment.