Prospects for the classification of mental disorders of the elderly

This brief review outlines some of the problems with applying DSM-IV and ICD-10 categories to elderly patients. The next revision of these classifications should consider the following: (1) how diagnostic criteria relating to occupational or social functioning should be applied to this age group; (2) the relationship between physical and mental disorder in old age; (3) the status of clinically important sub-syndromes; (4) the definition of dementia onset, and the classification and definition of severity and sub-types.