Older Patients (≥ 45 Years)
- New psychiatric diagnoses are rare in the older patient.
- Actively exclude medical causes, e.g. anaemia, pain, dementia, chronic kidney disease, COPD, malignancy.
- Older patients are very sensitive to the side effects of psychiatric medications and these are common presentations. Use lowest possible dose.
- Consult with family/carers: educate about the condition and provide support by explaining how to manage behaviour at home.
- Refer family/carers to social worker/counsellor for further support.