Exploring the Relationship Between Psychiatric Disorders and Aging

Aging is associated with various physiological and cognitive changes, and the presence of psychiatric illnesses can significantly affect this process. Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia are known to influence aging but their specific impacts on cognitive decline, physical health, and overall well-being are yet to be fully understood. Current research highlights the neurobiological changes and psycho-social adjustments that occur with age, which can exacerbate or be exacerbated by psychiatric conditions. However, there is a need for a more comprehensive understanding of how these dynamics interact, especially in the context of an aging global population.

This Research Topic aims to deepen the understanding of how psychiatric illnesses influence the aging process. It seeks to identify and analyze the physical and psychological impacts of common mental health conditions on elderly individuals, addressing gaps in current knowledge and proposing new theoretical frameworks for intervention.

To accurately delineate the boundaries of this Research Topic, studies will focus on older adults diagnosed with one or more psychiatric disorders. We invite contributions that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:

- Neurobiological changes in aging brains with psychiatric conditions
- Social and familial impacts on elderly mental health
- Healthcare approaches and challenges for aging populations with psychiatric illnesses
- Longitudinal studies tracking mental health and aging
- Intervention strategies and their efficacy in improving health outcomes for elderly psychiatric patients

By tackling these themes, the Research Topic aims to enhance understanding and support development of better care strategies for aging populations facing mental health challenges.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Aging, Mental Health, Psychiatric Conditions in Elderly, Neurobiological Changes, Cognitive Decline

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.