GEROPSYCHIATRIC CONSULTATION FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN AND CAUCASIAN PATIENTS

We assessed differences in the referral rates of African-American and Caucasian elderly far geropsychiatric consultation. Reasons for referr al, assigned diagnoses, and interventions made were also compared. A r etrospective chart review of psychiatric consultations was completed f or patients aged 65 years and older for a 2-year period. Significantly more consultations were requested for Caucasian elderly (6.2%) than f or African-American elderly (3.8%). African-American elderly were refe rred for evaluation of psychosis significantly more often and for asse ssment of suicide potential significantly less often than Caucasians. Consultants diagnosed African-American elderly with psychotic disorder s, specifically schizophrenia, and dementia significantly more often t han Caucasians. Caucasian elderly were significantly more often diagno sed with mood disorders, especially depressive disorders. Intervention s/recommendations made for Caucasian and African-American elderly did not differ for the most part. Recommendations for legal measures were suggested for African-American elderly more often than for Caucasians. Differences between Caucasian and African-American elderly were obser ved in consultation referral rates, reasons for referral, and psychiat ric diagnoses made. The potential impact of cultural variables and the racial and age differences between hospital staff and patients may ac count for some of these findings. Further awareness of the needs of Af rican-American elderly is required. (C) 1997 by Elsevier Science Inc.