Patterns of psychiatric disorders among elderly patients [more than 50 years] attending psychiatric outpatient clinics at the Buraidah mental health hospital, Buraidah, Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia

200 psychiatric outpatients over 50 years of age were recruited for studying patterns of psychiatric disorders by using multiple psychiatric rating scales. It was revealed that family type, occupation and social class were significantly correlated with some clusters of mental disorders. Both sexes unexpectedly equally utilized the mental health services, 49,5% of patients had different psychopathologies with an onset of below 50 years of age, and finally 48% of probands showed physical comorbidity. In addition to the discussion of findings and limitations of this study, some clinical implications were highlighted and certain recommendations were also suggested