Management of Emotional Disturbances in Geriatric Patients

The flexibility and continuity of care provided by the hospital, outpatient, nursing and rehabilitative facilities of a comprehensive health‐care complex (e.g., Hopedale) can serve the needs of the aged patient ideally. However, a program of total health care must be oriented to the particular medical, psychologic and socio‐environmental problems of aging. Behavioral disturbances in the geriatric patient often are associated with disrupted social patterns, organic illness, and feelings of inadequacy and uselessness. Therefore emotional disorders should be a primary consideration. If neglected, they may hinder or prevent effective health care. The objective must be to identify all sources of disturbance to the patient, to eliminate adverse stimuli, to reassure the patient by providing emotional support and understanding, and to institute the required medical, rehabilitative and nursing care. A 12‐day trial of thioridazine in the treatment of 27 patients is described; the drug was found to be a valuable asset in the management of senile anxiety, agitation, depression and related behavioral disturbances. By means of a systematic program, emotional disorders in the elderly can be promptly recognized and treated. Thus, health care will be enhanced and many geriatric patients can be restored to a practical level of functioning.