Geriatric Psychiatry

Mental health in later life deserves the same care and expertise as at any age — yet in older adults, symptoms are often dismissed as "just ageing," and treatable conditions like depression or a reversible cause of confusion get missed. Geriatric psychiatry focuses on the specific mental health needs of older people, with careful attention to physical health and medication. Dr. Anindo Mitra (MBBS, MD Psychiatry, JIPMER) provides this care in-person in Gurugram and online across India.

Who this is for

This page is for older adults and their families dealing with:

• Memory concerns and questions about dementia.
• Depression or anxiety in later life, which are common and very treatable.
• Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) — agitation, aggression, sleep disturbance, or distress in someone with dementia.
• Sleep problems and confusion.
• Reviewing medications in older adults who may be on several, some no longer needed.

Why older adults need specialist care

Later life brings particular considerations: physical illnesses that can mimic or worsen psychiatric symptoms, medications that interact, greater sensitivity to side effects, and the need to distinguish, for example, depression from early dementia (they can look alike and can coexist). A careful, holistic assessment — of mind, body, and medication together — is essential.

What Dr. Mitra can help with

• Memory concerns and dementia evaluation. Assessing memory problems, distinguishing normal ageing from mild cognitive impairment or dementia, identifying reversible causes, and guiding families on care and planning.
• Depression and anxiety in older adults. Recognising and treating mood and anxiety disorders, which are often under-diagnosed in this age group and respond well to treatment.
• BPSD. Managing agitation and behavioural symptoms in dementia thoughtfully — starting with non-medication approaches and using medication cautiously and only when needed, at the lowest effective dose.
• Sleep and behavioural symptoms. Addressing disturbed sleep and related issues common in later life and dementia.
• Medication review in older adults. Rationalising and, where appropriate, safely reducing medications, in line with the practice's focus on deprescribing and medication review — particularly valuable in older people, who are often over-medicated.

A careful, conservative approach

In older adults especially, Dr. Mitra favours careful diagnosis, non-medication strategies first where possible, and cautious, well-monitored use of medication — always coordinated with physical health care. Families are closely involved, and the goal is dignity, comfort, and the best possible quality of life.

In-person in Gurugram and online across India

Available in-person at Athena Behavioural Health, Sector 47, Gurugram, and online across India via Zoom or Google Meet, in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Tamil. Online consultations can be convenient for families and for older adults with limited mobility, with in-person assessment where needed.

Safety and urgent help

Sudden confusion, a rapid change in behaviour, or thoughts of self-harm in an older adult need prompt attention — sudden confusion (delirium) can signal a physical illness. Contact a doctor promptly, go to the nearest hospital, or call Tele-MANAS on 14416. This page is educational and does not replace an individual consultation.

Book a consultation

• WhatsApp: +91 93104 65035
• Practo: Dr. Anindo Mitra on Practo

See fees · depression treatment · medication review

Frequently asked questions

Is memory loss just a normal part of ageing? Some mild changes are normal, but significant memory problems are not simply "old age" and deserve assessment. Some causes are reversible, and where it is dementia, early evaluation helps with treatment and planning.

Can depression be mistaken for dementia in older adults? Yes. Depression in later life can cause poor concentration and memory difficulties that resemble dementia (sometimes called "pseudodementia"), and the two can coexist. Careful assessment distinguishes them — important because depression is very treatable.

How are behavioural symptoms of dementia (BPSD) managed? Wherever possible, with non-medication approaches first — understanding triggers, environment, and unmet needs. Medication is used cautiously and only when necessary, at the lowest effective dose, with close monitoring.

Are older adults more sensitive to psychiatric medication? Often yes. Doses are usually started low and increased slowly, with attention to interactions and physical health. Regular review — and reducing unnecessary medication — is a key part of care.

Can geriatric psychiatry be done online? Much of it can, which helps families and those with limited mobility. Some assessments are better in person, and this is discussed.