A Retrospective Review of Elderly Patients admitted in Psychiatry Department of a Tertiary care center Over 3 Years

Abstract

Introduction: Psychiatric morbidity is high in the elderly population. Despite this, literature regarding inpatient study in elderly is lacking in context to world, including Nepal. This study aimed to study the socio-demographic variables and patterns of psychiatric illnesses in elderly patients admitted in a psychiatry ward of a tertiary hospital.

Methods: This was a retrospective study of all elderly patients aged 60 years and above admitted in psychiatry ward over three years period between 2067 Baisakh to 2069 Chiatra (2010 April to 2013 April). Data were collected by reviewing in-patient admission charts from medical records. Descriptive analysis was done by using SPSS version 20; Chicago, IL; and results were expressed as percentages.

Results: There were a total of 881 patients admitted in the psychiatry ward during the study period, among which 34 were elderly aged above 60 years. Females slightly predominated in our study. Most of the geriatric sample consisted of Brahmins and all were Hindus. More than 50% of the patients were from central developmental region. The most common diagnosis made was depression followed by schizophrenia Persistent Delusional Disorder (PDD) and organic conditions. Majority of the patients had hospital stay between 2-3 weeks; and all patients were discharged home without mortality.

Conclusion: We were able to show the socio-demographic characteristics of elderly patients admitted in a psychiatry ward of a tertiary care center, which will help add insight of psychiatry issues in elderly in Nepalese context.