Consultation-liaison psychiatry for elderly patients with dementia

Abstract

Abstract：Because of the mutual influence between somatic diseases and psychological symptoms, it is sometimes necessary to deal with both conditions at the same time in elderly patients with dementia. Mental healthcare workers often assist these patients in consultation-liaison psychiatry. In May 2013, our hospital began offering consultation-liaison psychiatry services targeted primarily towards elderly patients with delirium and dementia. This system provides intervention and effective multidisciplinary team healthcare to a large number of these patients. Furthermore, the intervention for suicidal individuals is the most important activity for consultation-liaison psychiatry at emergency departments. When dealing with suicidal elderly patients, it is essential to assess the risk of a repeated suicide attempt, perform a psychiatric evaluation, cooperate with somatic medicine specialists, and undertake evaluation and intervention from as many different viewpoints as possible.