Geriatric
Psychiatry
Polypharmacy review and late-onset mood disorders for adults 65+. Dr. Farkas brings sophisticated medication expertise to the unique complexities of psychiatric care in aging — multiple medical conditions, complex drug interactions, and age-specific presentations.
Aging changes everything about
psychiatric care
Standard psychiatric approaches developed for adults in their 30s and 40s often need significant modification — in drug selection, dosing, and interaction assessment — for patients 65 and older.
Geriatric psychiatric
conditions we address
Late-life psychiatric conditions often present differently than in younger adults — and are frequently undertreated because patients and families assume depression and anxiety are "just part of aging." They're not.
See also: NIMH: Older Adults & Mental Health ↗
Who this service
is right for
Geriatric Psychiatry is appropriate for adults generally 65 and older — or younger adults with complex medical comorbidities that make standard psychiatric approaches insufficient.
What to expect from
your first appointment
Geriatric psychiatric evaluations take 30–60 minutes. Dr. Farkas reviews the complete medication list — including all medical medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs — not just psychiatric ones.
Telehealth is particularly useful for older adults with limited mobility or those who rely on family members for transportation. The same expert evaluation is available from home.
Expert psychiatric care
that respects your whole health picture
Comprehensive, age-informed psychiatric care for older adults. New patients welcome.
Geriatric psychiatry addresses the mental health of older adults with attention to altered pharmacokinetics, anticholinergic burden, drug interactions, and comorbid medical illness. Dr. Farkas provides careful diagnostic reevaluation, deprescribing where appropriate, and coordinated care with primary care, neurology, and family caregivers.
Key Takeaways
- Older adults process medications differently, so lower doses often work and side effects show up more.
- Anticholinergic medications carry particular risk in later life.
- Deprescribing, the planned and supervised reduction of medications that no longer help, is a core part of care.
- Telehealth can work for older adults with attention to hearing, vision, and technology, and family can be involved if the patient wishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does age change psychiatric prescribing?
Older adults process medications differently — reduced hepatic and renal clearance, altered body composition, increased CNS sensitivity. Lower doses achieve therapeutic effect and side effects are more pronounced. Anticholinergic medications carry particular risk.
What is deprescribing?
The planned, supervised reduction or discontinuation of medications that are no longer providing benefit, are causing harm, or are inappropriate given the patient's goals. Core competency in geriatric psychiatry.
Can telehealth work for older adults?
Yes — with attention to hearing, vision, and technology access. Dr. Farkas structures visits to ensure clear communication and involves family caregivers where the patient wishes.
Related pages
Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). Text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room if you are in immediate danger.