Medscape (3/25, Brauser, Subscription Publication) reports that “with a growing number of state and regional directives to shelter in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important clinicians pay close attention to the mental health of all patients, but particularly the elderly.” The article says that while “physical distancing during this public health crisis is essential in preventing the spread of the virus,…it can come at a high cost to seniors’ mental health and well-being, resulting in loneliness, anxiety, depression, and cognitive problems.” Dr. Brent Forester, vice chair of the APA’s Council on Geriatric Psychiatry, said, “Everyone in the healthcare system is now under siege. We’re at war with this virus, and we need to approach it like that while making sure we attend to the mental health needs of our older patients.”
Related Links:
— Medscape (requires login and subscription)