COMPUTERIZED PSYCHIATRIC-DIAGNOSIS IN THE ELDERLY - AGECAT

This paper describes a computerized diagnostic system, AGECAT Automated Geriatric Examination for Computer Assisted Taxonomy), designed for use with the Geriatric Mental State Schedule (GMS). AGECAT can be divided into three main parts. In the first part symptoms are aggregated to form symptom components. In the second part these components are grouped and compared, using a logical decision tree approach, to reach levels of confidence on eight syndrome clusters. In the third part these levels are compared, cluster by cluster and if the level of confidence is sufficiently high a decision is reached on the diagnosis. In addition the program provides a variety of other information on alternative diagnoses and any unusual features detected.