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Geriatric Psychiatrist |
Career OverviewGeriatric psychiatrists are medical physicians that have taken the necessary specialty training in psychiatry and geriatric psychiatry to examine, evaluate, diagnosis and treat mental disorders in adults that are older or elderly. Many older adults with a large variety of concerns and problems require the services of a geriatric psychiatrist.
Some of the disorders and concerns they treat in older adults are:
- Late-life schizophrenia
- Stress
- Dementia/family history of dementia
- Dealing with death
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Coping with change
- Memory problems
- Agitation problems caused by poor sleep, dementia or other conditions
For the first time in many older patients’ lives they are experiencing emotional problems caused by physical illnesses and disabilities. Because they have never had these problems in their younger years, the patients do not know how to cope with the disease, disability, depression and other challenges they now face. Some of changes in function and health that a geriatric psychiatrist offers patients counseling and treatment for are chronic pain, diabetes, strokes and heart disease.
A geriatric psychiatrist also works with the families of their patients, as they understand the important role a family plays in the patient’s health care. They educate family members on understanding the nature of the disease, disability or illness and advise them on the best care and coping methods available. A geriatric psychiatrist may refer their patient or patient’s family to other services, if they feel that it is necessary.
For adults and their families coping with mental health issues and aging, a geriatric psychiatrist is an extremely valuable and necessary member of the patient’s health team. Geriatric psychiatrists offer support to their patient’s by working with the family doctor regarding the patient’s medical and mental problems. They educate health care providers, professionals, home health providers and nurses in the required long term care of their patients in independent living facilities, homes or nursing homes.
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Career RequirementsTo become a geriatric psychiatrist requires many years of rigorous formal education and training. After completing three to four years of undergraduate school, there is four years of medical school. Four years of post-graduate education in psychiatry follows along with two years of geriatric psychiatry. There are several programs, combining two specialties now available, which allow for a shorter training period.
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Job OutlookWith the need for geriatric psychiatrist in great demand, the outlook in this field is exceedingly positive. The number of geriatric psychiatrists graduating from medical school is not enough to fill the amount of job positions available. In addition, with the population increasing and the large amount of physicians and surgeons reaching retirement age through 2014, the demand for psychiatrists and geriatric psychiatrists continue to increase.
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Career TrackThere are many career options available for geriatric psychiatrists today. Many start their careers employed by large community hospitals but often decide to enter into private practice, head up specialty psychiatric clinics or work privately for a health care clinic. Others become consultants to large assisted living facilities or long-term care facilities. There are also opportunities in research, teaching and consulting.
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CompensationThere is always a huge demand for highly skilled and trained geriatric psychiatrists. The average salary of a geriatric psychiatrist, depending on years of experience and location, ranges from approximately $172,000 to over $259,000 annually.
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