Objectives: Reports on the epidemiology of mental disorders in the elderly mostly arise from the studies on the populations of the western developed countries. Due to gross social and cultural differences, these findings may not be generalizable to the oriental countries and the need for native studies is increasingly felt. to determine a primary estimate of the prevalence of mental disorders in elderly people with health problems residing in the community.

Methods & Materials: probable psychiatric cases among 314 patients successively presented to the only outpatient geriatric clinic in Tehran, after careful examination by a physician, referred for psychiatric evaluation. These subjects were examined by a psychiatrist and 100 of them received a diagnosis according to DSMb4 criteria. Data about related factors gathered and analyzed by the software SPSSb Version 10th.

Results: 31.8% of the original sample received a psychiatric diagnosis. Depressive disorders (58%), cognitive disorders (29%) and anxiety disorders (12%) were most frequent diagnosis. Symptoms had been appeared after a life event in 52% of cases. Conbcurrent physical problems were prevalent. Hypertension was the most frequent physical problem (31%) and Poly-pharmacy found in many cases  (m=1.4±2.89)

Conclusion: The need for psycho-geriatric services is widespread among elderly living in Tehran and the con-current physical problems and poly pharmacy complicate the situation.