Doctorate of Medicine (DM) in Geriatric Psychiatry

Doctorate of Medicine (DM) in Geriatric Psychiatry is a super-specialty medical course specializing in the psychiatric treatment of the elderly. It focuses on diagnosing, treating and preventing mental health illnesses in older adults and rehabilitating them into society. The discipline combines psychiatry geriatric medicine, neurology, and psychology to provide care to elderly patients suffering from mental conditions that have developed due to old age. 

Modern society has witnessed a sharp increase in mental health conditions, especially among the elderly population. Many old people go through ailments such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, depression, delirium, and other mental or lifestyle illnesses. This can be often caused by today’s fast-paced life, loss of family members, isolation and loneliness, and physical health that can cause stress and anxiety in them. Psychiatrists specializing in geriatric care provide the necessary treatment and rehabilitation to elderly patients to help them cope and recover to live healthy late in their life. 

Career opportunities after DM in Geriatric Psychiatry exist at mental health institutions, rehabilitation centres, old-age shelters, retirement homes, community welfare centers and psychiatric clinics. Apart from decent salaries, professionals gain a sense of satisfaction in helping the elderly people who cannot help themselves. 

Doctorate of Medicine (DM) Geriatric Psychiatry Course Details

Doctorate of Medicine (DM) in Geriatric Psychiatry is a 3-year super-specialty medical course that focuses on addressing the mental health disorders suffered by the elderly. The course is approved and recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and is offered by select mental health institutes in India that offer super-specialty courses. 

As part of the DM Geriatric Psychiatry syllabus, students learn about the history of geriatric healthcare, geriatric psychology, psychopathology and the social causes of geriatric mental illnesses. The curriculum additionally covers neurological, functional, and somatoform disorders as well as psychopharmacology, physical therapies and psychotherapies. 

The process for DM Geriatric Psychiatry admission in India is conducted through an entrance examination followed by a counselling process. The NEET-SS exam is the common entrance exam for DM or M.Ch courses with the NEET-SS counselling being conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC). Candidates with an MD in Psychiatry or MD in Geriatric Medicine are eligible for the course. 

On completing the DM in Geriatric Psychiatry course, one can find a career at medical facilities specializing in mental health. They can take up careers as a geriatric psychiatrist, rehabilitation therapist, dementia specialist, and community health specialist. As a professional, aspirants help elderly patients in coping and recovering from mental health problems and gain satisfaction in assisting the elderly live healthy later lives.

Students who plan to continue their medical education after the MD/ MS course can find it difficult to find better options. We at BangaloreStudy offer professional help to such students through personalized academic counselling to decide the best-suited course or specialization for higher studies. We also provide comprehensive admission guidance for students in every step of the way to land a seat at a desirable medical college.

Doctorate of Medicine (DM) Geriatric Psychiatry Course Highlights

Doctorate of Medicine (DM) Geriatric Psychiatry Course Syllabus

First Year Subjects

Second Year Subjects

Third Year Subjects

Why Study DM Geriatric Psychiatry?

Geriatric Psychiatry has gained immense social relevance in today’s age as mental health has become a hot topic and an important need. Due to the fast pace and complexities of the modern world, many elderly folk have trouble keeping up with society and become overwhelmed with anxiety and depression. Mental and cognitive conditions, namely dementia, Alzheimer's, delirium, delusional disorders and substance misuse have become common among older adults. These are also caused by loneliness, sleeplessness, lack of mobility, loss of loved ones and chronic illnesses.

The DM course in Geriatric Psychiatry provides coverage in neuropathology, neuroanatomy, neuropsychology, and neuropharmacology in old age as well as the biology of aging. Additionally professionals can interact with patients and provide them with their healthcare and daily needs. Geriatric psychiatrists work alongside neurologists, geriatricians, and mental health experts in studying geriatric psychiatric and psychological disorders and provide effective treatment and rehabilitation to patients.

Aspirants can find many job roles in the field of geriatric healthcare, with psychiatry and mental health being among them. They can take up roles as a geriatric psychiatrist, memory specialist, geriatric care consultant, BPSD specialist and community health psychiatrists. These job roles are known for their high salaries, patient interaction and multidisciplinary collaborations. Psychiatrists can also gain the emotional satisfaction of being able to help the elderly and look after their mental health later in their lives.

Top DM Geriatric Psychiatry Colleges in India

Note: DM Geriatric Psychiatry is a niche course in India and therefore a scarce number of institutions provide the course. Students can contact BangaloreStudy for additional information regarding DM Geriatric colleges in India.

Fees Structure of DM Geriatric Psychiatry Colleges in India

Note: Fee structure may vary based on the institution type or seat quotas.

Top DM Geriatric Psychiatry Colleges in Karnataka

Note: DM Geriatric Psychiatry is a niche course in India and therefore a scarce number of institutions provide the course. Students can contact BangaloreStudy for additional information regarding DM Geriatric colleges in Karnataka.

Fees Structure of DM Geriatric Psychiatry Colleges in Karnataka

Note: Fee structure may vary based on the institution type or seat quotas

Higher Education after DM Geriatric Psychiatry

On completing their higher education, graduates can still find higher education after DM Geriatric Psychiatry. Despite being an advanced super-specialty course, DM graduates can go on to enroll for a Ph.D programme. A Ph.D in Psychiatry, Ph.D in Neurosciences or Ph.D in Mental Health are ideal options after completing the DM Geriatric Psychiatry course.

Apart from a Ph.D, graduates can also join postdoctoral fellowships in neurology, palliative care, geriatric psychiatry, and minor specialties such as sleep medicine, neuromodulation, and behavioral neurology. Additionally, aspirants can land international fellowships including cross-speciality fellowships and research projects. Other options include master’s programmes in allied health such as MPT, MOT, MBA in Hospital Administration, and M.Sc in Allied Health Sciences.