A specific instrument has been developed to diagnose personality disorders in older adults. However, further research is necessary to improve the diagnostic accuracy of the Gerontological Personality disorders Scale (GPS).

Little is known about the course of personality disorders across the life span. A major problem is that the current DSM nosology for personality disorders does not account for age-associated changes in behaviour and interpersonal functioning. This editorial will discuss the main diagnostic bottlenecks when applying the current DSM-IV-TR Axis II criteria to older adults. Subsequently, suggestions will be given for future research and the development of a geriatric sub-classification.

Staff well-being might benefit from placing patients with combined care needs together, so care is focused. The presence of specialized care units can allow for both targeted and focused allocation of nursing staff to these units and provision of specific training.

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