Diagnosis of disorders of the emotional sphere in older persons

Resumo

This article considers the structure of the criteria of the severity of emotional sphere disorders in older people, as well as recommendations for their diagnosis. An algorithm for diagnosing emotional sphere disorders is proposed. It includes four phases: screening and diagnostic, clinical and pathopsychological, laboratory and instrumental diagnostic, and psychodiagnostic phases; it can be applied both for estimation of the prevalence of different forms of emotional disorders and for their early correction and prevention at the individual level. Criteria to assess the levels of severity of anxiety and asthenic disorders are presented. The developed recommendations can be applied in the activities of general somatic practice doctors (therapists, general practitioners, and neurologists).