Dr. Renato Alcalde, MD

Here are answers to some common questions about Geriatric Psychiatric care with Dr. Renato Alcalde:

What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?

A psychiatrist, like Dr. Alcalde, is a medical doctor who can prescribe medications. Psychologists, on the other hand, have doctoral degrees in psychology and specialize in therapy and testing, but cannot prescribe medication. Often, psychiatrists and psychologists work together to provide comprehensive care.

How do you make sure a new psychiatric medication won't interfere with my other medications?

Dr. Alcalde has extensive training in how medications interact. A thorough review of all your current medications (a "polypharmacy review") is a core part of our practice. We coordinate closely with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure any new treatment is both safe and effective.

Are psychiatric medications addictive? I'm worried about taking them.

It's understandable to be concerned about medication addiction. While some psychiatric medications can cause physical dependence, true addiction is less common with modern antidepressants and mood stabilizers. For anxiety medications, some types can be habit-forming, but Dr. Alcalde will discuss the best options for long-term management, prioritizing your safety.

What is ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy)? It sounds scary.

ECT, or electroconvulsive therapy, is a safe and effective treatment for severe depression. It's a brief, controlled electrical stimulation of the brain, performed under general anesthesia, and is often life-saving for older adults experiencing treatment-resistant depression. Modern ECT is painless and is one of the most effective treatments available for this condition.

I thought Bipolar Disorder was a condition for younger people. Can it start later in life?

While Bipolar Disorder often begins in younger adulthood, it can certainly develop later in life. Managing it in seniors requires special expertise due to potential medication interactions and co-existing health issues. Dr. Alcalde has experience diagnosing and safely managing this condition in older adults.

My loved one with dementia has become very agitated. Can you help?

Agitation in dementia is common and often challenging. We will first rule out any underlying medical issues like infection or pain. Dr. Alcalde can then help develop a plan, which may include non-medication strategies first, and if necessary, carefully prescribe medication at the lowest effective dose to improve safety and quality of life for everyone.

Do you only prescribe medication, or do you also provide therapy?

Dr. Alcalde provides both medication management and psychotherapy. Many of our best treatment plans combine both approaches to address the biological and emotional aspects of mental health conditions.

I have anxiety but I'm worried about taking tranquilizers like Xanax or Valium.

We understand your concern about taking benzodiazepines. These medications are used very cautiously in older adults due to potential risks of falls and cognitive side effects. Fortunately, there are many other highly effective and safer long-term options for anxiety, including antidepressants and therapy. Our goal is to manage your anxiety safely and effectively.