Meeting the mental health needs of older adults

Abstract

Greater attention to the mental health needs of older adults is critical in light of recent research documenting substantial undertreatment of mental health problems in late life. As often the first and only point of professional contact for mentally ill older adults, primary care physicians have an important and unique role in reducing enduring unmet mental health needs in late life. This article reviews the current state of geriatric mental health care delivery and provides valuable information and resources for use in clinical practice to increase and enhance primary care detection, treatment, and referral of psychological problems in older patients.