Although chronological age cannot be used to differentiate psychiatric emergencies, knowledge about aging and the aged does give practitioners in general, and psychiatrists in particular, the basis for applying special principles and approaches. We know, for example, that psychotropic drugs can be helpful in treating patients with affective disorders and psychoses. We also know that when these medications are given to old people the dosage has to be monitored closely. Consequently, it seems relevant to call attention to some of the characteristics of old people and to the nuances and modifications in treatment that may be applied to achieve reasonable therapeutic goals for elderly persons, especially those in crisis.