GERIATRIC PATIENTS ATTENDING TERTIARY CARE PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL

This retrospective study aimed to explore the Socio-demographic characteristics and clinical profile of patients aged 60 years and above, attending psychiatric services for the first time at the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour, Goa during 1993-1998. Hospital case files of six hundred and ninety-eight patients formed the study sample. Preliminary analysis revealed that 70% of the sample was between 60-69 years. Mean age was 65.8 years (Sd ±6.11). Sex ratio male to female was 38:62. 59% came from extended families. The commonest psychiatric diagnosis was mood (affective) disorders seen in 43% of the sample, of which more than half had depression. Associated physical illnesses were seen in 68% of the sample. The differential occurrences of various psychiatric diagnostic categories as well as associated physical illnesses were significantly associated with the sex of the patients.