Prevalence and correlates of psychiatric disorders among older adults at a geriatric psychiatry clinic in Kashmir

Background: The geriatric population is increasingly vulnerable to psychiatric illnesses due to biological, psychological, and social changes associated with aging. However, mental health services for this group remain neglected. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 221 elderly patients attending a geriatric psychiatry clinic in Kashmir. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition criteria were used for diagnosis. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20 with Chi-square and logistic regression. Results: The most prevalent psychiatric disorders were major depressive disorder (29%), dementia (27.2%), and bipolar disorder (26.2%). Significant predictors of depression included female gender, illiteracy, and widowhood. Depression and neurocognitive disorders were more frequent in the 60–65-year age group. Conclusion: There is a substantial burden of psychiatric morbidity among the elderly in Kashmir. Regular screening and tailored interventions are needed, especially for vulnerable subgroups such as women, widows, and the illiterate.