Studies from emerging countries: an encouraging development.

Chiu, Helen Fung-Kum; Tsoh, Joshua; Lam, Linda Chiu-Wa

PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize the findings of recent psychogeriatric research conducted in emerging countries. RECENT FINDINGS During the review period there have been new reports on the prevalence, clinical characteristics and pathogenic mechanisms of dementia in its various forms, epidemiological findings on depression, and psychological autopsy analyses of suicidal behaviors and psychiatric morbidities. New studies in social psychiatry have been conducted, especially on the trends of transgenerational support of the elderly and of interventions that may reduce psychiatric disease burdens and promote mental health in later life. SUMMARY These research findings support a better understanding of the prevalence, nature, and underlying risk and protective factors of the major psychiatric morbidities in the studied regions. Further exploration of the epidemiological profile of mental disorders in rural areas, research on the direct and indirect costs of psychogeriatric conditions, and evaluation of the cost-effectiveness and financial sustainability of early detection programs, treatment and rehabilitation models are warranted.