Old Age Psychiatry: Overview

Oh, Byoung Hoon

Abstract

"Old Age Psychiatry" is a branch of psychiatry. WHO, WPA and IPA strongly suggest that the Old Age Psychiatry is directed to "Lead(Guide) best possible care of geriatric patients and their families, Education and training for all health and social care workers, Development of appropriate training manuals with culturally appropriate material, Encourage the direction of geriatric psychiatry health policy. To the development of Old Age Psychiatry, Integrated approach and paradigm, Prevention, diagnosis and rehabilitation and Multidisciplinary approaches is essential. And strategies for mental health services, "Systemic care services and Delivery care services" is needed. When we review of past 10 year of Old Age Psychiatry in Korea, we have problems such as Inadequate human resources, Training issues, Multi-disciplinary infrastructure, Economic issues. But we hope that Old Age Psychiatry in Korea has a potential to develop and it should be overcome with enthusiasm and patience. In conclusion, for the future development of Old Age Psychiatry, Old Age Psychiatry must be based on the disorders in elderly can be treated successfully and improving quality of life and creating of life.