SYNOPSIS

Every country in this world is seeing an increase in the growth in the number of older persons in their population. The World Health Organization states that between 2015 and 2050 the proportion of the world’s population over 60 years will nearly double, from 12% to 22%. It is estimated that approximately 15% of adults aged 60 and over suffer from a mental disorder. More than 7% are estimated to suffer from Depression, which is the most common mental health disorder in this age group. The rate of Depression among the elderly is also high in those who suffer from other chronic medical conditions. It is estimated that only 10% receive treatment. This is probably because the symptoms displayed by the elderly are often not that of classical depression resulting in the disorder being missed. Depression increases the risk of suicide which is also high among this age group. Depression in the elderly is not a normal phenomenon. It is important that we remember this, recognize the symptoms of Depression and get our loved ones the help they deserve.


BIODATA OF SPEAKER

Dr. Gayathri K. Kumarasuriar
M.B.B.S (Manipal, India),
MRCPsych (RCPsych, U.K.)
PCHyp, PDHyp.PDCBH (I.C.C.H.P, U.K.)
Psychiatrist & Clinical Hypnotherapist
Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health Melaka Hospital

Dr. Gayathri K. Kumarasuriar is a Psychiatrist currently practising in Hospital Melaka. She is also a Clinical Hypnotherapist. She obtained her Postgraduate Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrist from UK and has the distinction of being the first locally trained Psychiatrist to have passed the Membership examination. She is now part of the Psychiatry Postgraduate Training Committee under the Ministry of Health as well as the National Curriculum Committee for the Postgraduate Training Program in Malaysia. She is a member of the Preliminary Investigation Committee in the Malaysia Medical Council and has written the part on Doctors Treating the LGBTIQ Community under Ethical Implications of Doctors in Conflict Situations under the Medical Ethics Chapter.