The 3 Ds of Geriatric Psychiatry: Depression, Delirium, and Dementia

Topics: Apathy | Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) | Delirium | Dementia | Depression | Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) | MMSE | MOCA | SLUMS

Both common yet elusive, symptoms of depression, dementia, and delirium may overlap in older adults, proving a diagnostic challenge. Even more confounding, these three disorders—the 3 Ds—frequently present simultaneously (Downing LJ et al, Curr Psychiatry Rep 2013;15(6):365). This article will review key features to help distinguish between these di

Personality Changes Later in Life: Diagnostic and Treatment Considerations

Topics: Bipolar Disorder | Borderline Personality Disorder | Disinhibition | Frontotemporal dementia | Hypomania | Mania | MOCA | Neuropsychological testing | Personality Disorders | Self-injury | Stimulants | Suicide

CGPR: What is the course of personality disorders as people age? Dr. Tampi: Personality usually doesn’t change much. People with borderline personality disorder (BPD), for example, don’t usually experience significant changes once they reach middle age. Experiences over a person’s lifespan may teach them skills that blunt their sharp edges, but