Introduction Depression and other mental health problems are common among older persons who present for primary or subspecialty care. Despite the fact that psychiatric problems are frequent concomitants of medical illness among their older inpatients and outpatients, primary care physicians may receive only limited education about principles of geriatric psychiatry. Once in practice, physicians who provide care to long-term care patients, even if only through cross-coverage, must be aware of regulatory and clinical issues in treatment of agitation, paranoia, and behavioral disturbances. Clinical presentations often differ from those typically seen among younger persons. Cognitive impairment can complicate recognition, management, and outcome assessment among older persons with other psychiatric illness. Primary care providers should be able to identify psychiatric illness, initiate appropriate first-line treatment in many settings, and know when to refer patients for psychiatric care. Pre-Test* Objectives Students will be able to: Counsel a bereaved older adult about the normal course of bereavement, and explain what signs and symptoms would suggest a more complicated process. Discuss the regulatory issues surrounding psychotropic use in nursing facilities. Describe an initial approach to new-onset anxiety in an older person. Outline appropriate approaches to the treatment of behavioral disturbances in dementia. Identify clues that suggest alcohol abuse in older persons. Learning Module Cases Suggested Readings Post-test* Student Feedback Form* * The Pre-test, Post-test, and Student Feedback Form are required for credit.

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