Dzeruzhinskaya N. Comorbid psychiatric disorders in elderly patients in primary medical (cardiological) care.

On the basis of a study of the prevalence and psychopathological structure of comorbid psychiatric disorders in gerontological patients with cardiac pathology an algorithm for diagnosis of these disorders was designed. The following comorbid psychiatric disorders were found to be common in these patients are revealed: depressive (32,1 %), anxiety (17,2 %), hypochondrial (15,2 %), asthenic (28,5 %), sleep disorders (85,8 %), others disturbances (5,3 %). The correlation of the сomorbidity of psychopathologic disorders with cognitive disturbances was analysed in gerontological patients. The сomorbidity index averaged 3,3±1,6 psychopathologic disorder. The factors promoting the occurrence of mental pathologies in these patients are shown. The reliability of the clinical questionnaires used for the screening of mental disorders of the elderly in primary care is discussed. The most successful treatment approach was the combination of psychotherapy with psychopharmacotherapy. А model for the organization of the psychiatric care for geriatric patients is presented, this will allow early diagnosis, individual treatment and continuity of care in the elderly patients with mental pathology in primary health care practice.