Doha, November 06 (QNA) - Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) opened a new integrated psychiatric clinic for the elderly at Umm Salal Health Center, as part of its commitment to implementing the Qatar National Mental Health Strategy.

The expansion of the institution's mental health services provides services to patients 65 years old and over, who suffer from depression, bipolar affective disorder, anxiety, sleep disorders, schizophrenia, and dementia, as well as other cognitive disorders and mental illnesses.

As part of implementing the long-term plan of the Qatar Mental Health Strategy, PHCC stated that the Corporation is committed to making improvements in the accessibility of treatment for the elderly in all mental health services.

The Corporation stressed that mental health for the elderly is no less important than any other age group, as many elderly people are at risk of developing psychological and neurological disorders.

Through these new, integrated psychiatric clinic models, the PHCC team will be able to enhance access to care, play a more proactive role in addressing the mental health needs of these patients, and prevent the worsening of their conditions.

The new clinic in Umm Salal Health Center is an extension of the mental health services currently available in PHCC. It is an extension of the integrated psychiatry service provided in the Al Thumama, Qatar University, Rawdat Al Khail, and Al Wajba centers, and the ADHD clinic for adults in Rawdat Al Khail Health Center, and the psychological support service provided in the Leabaib, Al Thumama, Al Wajba, Rawdat Al Khail, and Qatar University centers. (QNA)