Geriatric Psychiatry Committee - Iran University of Medical Sciences

Faculty Members

The Geriatric Psychiatry Committee at Iran University of Medical Sciences is comprised of dedicated professionals who are passionate about improving the mental health of older adults.

• Dr. Seyed Kazem Malakouti - Professor of Geriatric Psychiatry

• Dr. Behnam Shariati - Associate Professor of Geriatric Psychiatry

• Dr. Leila Kamalzadeh - Assistant Professor of Geriatric Psychiatry

• Dr. Maryam Niksolat - Assistant Professor of Geriatric Medicine

Introduction

The world's population is aging rapidly, with a significant increase in the number of elderly individuals. While advancements in medicine have contributed to longer lifespans, these older adults are also more likely to experience a decline in physical and mental abilities. Various diseases and mental disorders can threaten their overall health and well-being.

Addressing the Needs of the Elderly

Unfortunately, psychiatric disorders in the elderly are often overlooked or mistaken for a natural part of aging. Recognizing this critical issue, developed countries have implemented extensive programs to train specialized personnel equipped to address the unique mental health challenges faced by this growing population.

A Pioneering Program in Iran

In Iran, a significant step was taken in 2008 to raise awareness among psychiatry residents by introducing a two-month Geriatric Psychiatry rotation into their training program. However, until 2017, there was no systematic program to develop specialists with the specific expertise needed to provide comprehensive care for elderly patients.

Iran University of Medical Sciences took a pioneering step by establishing the first specialized training program in Geriatric Psychiatry in Iran. This program leverages the latest advancements in the field and draws upon the valuable experiences of established training centers worldwide. Developed in collaboration with leading experts, the program was approved by the Ministry of Health in 2017. Since 2018, it has been successfully training fellows at Iran University of Medical Sciences.

Our Goals

The Geriatric Psychiatry Committee at Iran University of Medical Sciences is committed to improving the mental health of elderly patients through various initiatives. One key objective is to offer a comprehensive three-month Geriatric Psychiatry rotation to psychiatry residents. This rotation equips residents with the skills and knowledge to:

• Provide preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services in geriatric psychiatry
• Communicate effectively with elderly patients, ensuring care is delivered with respect, compassion, and honesty
• Understand the influence of cultural and ethnic factors on treatment outcomes
• Diagnose and treat comorbid medical and psychiatric disorders in both inpatient and outpatient settings
• Utilize electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and other non-pharmacological treatment options for elderly patients
• Navigate the ethical and legal issues related to geriatric psychiatry, including decision-making capacity, guardianship, informed consent, end-of-Life issues, and palliative and hospice care

Lecture and Seminar Schedule

Stay up-to-date on the latest advancements and research in geriatric psychiatry by attending our informative lectures and seminars. The schedule is available through the following channels:

• https://psychiatry.iums.ac.ir
• T.me/PsychiatryLectures   

Clinics

Rasoul Akram Hospital

• Geriatric Psychiatry Clinic
• Saturdays, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Dr. Behnam Shariati & Dr. Maryam Niksolat
• Wednesdays, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Dr. Leila Kamalzadeh
• Memory Clinic
• Wednesdays, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Dr. Leila Kamalzadeh & Dr. Maryam Niksolat

Geriatric Psychiatry Inpatient Ward

The Geriatric Psychiatry Inpatient Ward is located at Rasoul Akram Hospital and provides specialized care for elderly patients with 12 dedicated beds.

Collaboration with the Forensic Medicine Organization

The Geriatric Psychiatry Committee collaborates with the Tehran Province Forensic Medicine Organization to provide evaluation and treatment services for elderly patients referred by the organization.

We are dedicated to improving the lives of elderly individuals by promoting mental health awareness and providing exceptional care.