[Geriatric psychosomatic disorders and psychotherapy of the elderly. Current concept and approaches to treatment].

In a geriatric acute hospital, a minimum of 20% of the patients aged 60 or older fulfilled the case criteria for a psychogenic illness. Previously published epidemiological investigations had presented similar results. However, due to the limited theoretical training and treatment experience, psychotherapists continue to show extreme reluctance to formulate an indication for psychotherapy in elderly patients. The paper gives an overview of current concepts in development psychology for the second half of life drawing attention to the role of physical aging processes as an "organiser" of development. Sexuality in late life and approaches to dealing with chronic pain are presented as somatic-psychosomatic aspects of aging that challenge present old age stereotypes. Taking typical symptoms into consideration, a basis is established for the discussion of a differentiated therapy indication for elderly patients. Emphasis is on psychoanalytical and cognitive behavioural psychotherapy methods. Finally, perspectives of research are presented.