Medically reviewed by Mr. Pratik Masal, MBA (Healthcare Management)
Psychosis in old age is the emergence of hallucinations, delusions or paranoia in an elderly person. It can stem from dementia, from delirium caused by infection, dehydration or medication, or from a late-onset psychiatric illness — and because the causes are so different, careful assessment to find the cause is central. Sharanam provides supervised residential care while that assessment and treatment take place.
What the treatment involves
- Thorough medical and psychiatric assessment to identify the cause — infection, dehydration, medication and dementia are all checked for, since some causes are reversible.
- Medication review, because the psychosis is sometimes caused or worsened by a drug the person is already taking.
- Cautious, closely monitored use of antipsychotics only where needed, as these carry particular risks in older people.
- A calm, low-stimulation environment with orientation and routine.
- Family involvement and support.
What to realistically expect
Where the cause is reversible — a urinary infection, dehydration or a medication effect — the psychosis can improve markedly once that cause is treated. Where it arises from dementia, the symptoms can usually be managed even though the underlying condition progresses; in those cases care continues through our dementia care program. Honest assessment comes before any prediction.