IHBAS Launches DM in Geriatric Mental Health in Delhi
The Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS) recently achieved a major milestone in Indian medical education. Specifically, the institute launched its flagship Geriatric Mental Health DM course to address the growing needs of India’s aging population. This super-specialty program begins officially during the 2025-26 academic session. Consequently, IHBAS becomes the third institution in India to provide this high-level training qualification.
The Scope of the Geriatric Mental Health DM Program
India’s aging population requires specialized attention to complex mental health disorders. Therefore, this course addresses a critical gap in the current healthcare workforce. IHBAS follows King George’s Medical University (KGMU) and NIMHANS as the only centers offering this specialty. Experts emphasize that conditions like dementia and depression are often underdiagnosed in older adults. Moreover, these conditions require a sophisticated and multidisciplinary treatment approach for better outcomes. For professionals looking to enhance their expertise in this specific area, pursuing a certification course in dementia is a vital step toward improved patient care.
Expansion of Specialized Clinical Services
The institute has upgraded its infrastructure to support advanced research and care. For instance, the department shifted from a bi-weekly outpatient model to a full-fledged system. It now offers comprehensive outpatient and inpatient services for elderly patients. Furthermore, the institute plans to introduce a specialized Memory Clinic for cognitive decline. Additionally, a Behavioral and Caregiver Support Clinic will assist families in managing long-term patient care. Ultimately, this structured approach brings much-needed focus to a long-neglected area of psychiatry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which other Indian institutes offer a DM in Geriatric Mental Health?
Currently, only three institutes in India offer this super-specialty course: King George’s Mental Health University (KGMU) in Lucknow, the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru, and now IHBAS in Delhi.
Q2: What specialized clinics will the new IHBAS department provide?
The department plans to introduce two specialized facilities: a Memory Clinic specifically for dementia and cognitive decline, and a Behavioral and Caregiver Support Clinic to help families manage patient care. Clinicians interested in broader mental health training may also consider exploring advanced training options in clinical psychiatry.
References
- IHBAS launches super-specialty course in elderly mental health – ETHealthworld
- Status and requirements of geriatric mental health services in India – PMC
- India Mental Health Market Size, Growth Report 2026-2033 – DataM Intelligence
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