5 Symptoms of Mental Illness in the Elderly

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Elderly care is an area of concern on which not much attention has been paid in the recent past. Many life changes affect the elderly in all forms – physical, emotional and social – and these changes can contribute to mental illness.

As such, anyone concerned with the health of the elderly needs to be familiar with the signs of mental disorders in this demographic. These signs will help caregivers, relatives, and health care providers alter the older person’s lifestyle to improve their quality of life.

Table of Contents

  • Depression 
  • Anxiety and excessive worry
  • Memory Loss
  • Social withdrawal and Isolation
  • Personality Changes 
  • Conclusion 
  • Frequently asked questions

Depression 

The manifestation of affective disorders, especially depression, is a specific feature of elderly people. This is a clear-cut reason in simple language: sadness or grief that one feels after, say, losing somebody in the family or any other significant change in one’s life is normal, but when one finds him or herself feeling sad or even overwhelmed by sadness in such a way that it hampers or cage his or her functioning then this may be a pointer to clinical depression.

Symptoms of Depression in the Elderly:

Loss of Interest:

Lack of enjoyment of previously engaging activities, groups or events, companionship or going out to meet friends.

Changes in Appetite:

Weight gain is caused by overeating at times or, the complete opposite, weight loss from loss of appetite at other times.

Sleep Disturbances:

Sleeping disorders such as insomnia, hypersomnia or any other sleep disorder.

Fatigue: 

Listlessness or constantly having low energy, even when waking up from a complete night’s sleep.

Feelings of Hopelessness or Worthlessness:

Thinking may be bleak about the future or feel burdensome to other people especially the young ones.

Most of the time, depression is under-recognised in the older population since most elderly patients are thought to develop depressive symptoms as part of the ageing process.  If it is in a counseling, therapy or a prescription by a doctor one should seek for professional help. There is no harm in seeking out help or reaching for some support or guidance from the professional help, irrespective of your age.

Anxiety and Excessive Worry

Acquiring or aggravation of anxiety disorders is not uncommon in the elderly, and is often commonly related to stressful life changes including retirement, poor health and bereavement of a spouse. It is often hard to diagnose it because anxiety in elderly is quite different from anxiety in young people.

Symptoms of Anxiety in the Elderly:

Excessive Worry:

Pervasive and excessive concern with regard to physical well-being, money, or functioning.

Physical Symptoms:

Palpitations, chest pain, irregular heartbeat or pounding heartbeat, sudden episodes of anxiety and fear, light headedness, sweating, sudden tiredness, and chills.

Restlessness:

There may be times when you feel restless, hypervigilant or tense.

Avoidance: 

Staying away from people, a doctor consultation, or practising being active owing to fear or anxiety.

Obsessive Thoughts or Behaviors: 

Sometimes it may manifest itself in the form of the obsessive-compulsive disorder or through using a washing mechanism, checking on doors perhaps.

This makes it essential to treat the two mentally as well as physically because in elderly patients anxiety may worsen to illnesses such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and respiratory issues.

Memory Loss: Understanding The Roots Of Deterioration

Of all the problems that affect elderly people, cognitive impairment is one of the most serious. The elderly people are expected to have some extent memory loss In case, if one has severe memory problems or gets confused, then maybe there are cases of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. In many forms of cognitive decline, it is critical to diagnose the condition as early as possible with the view of slowing down the progression of the diseases.

Symptoms of Cognitive Decline:

Memory Loss: 

Losing things more often than it used to be, for instance, forgetting when important dates, people’s names or events were planned.

Difficulty Concentrating:

Forgetfulness at work or in other everyday tasks or following conversations, or indecision.

Disorientation:

Getting lost in familiar places or unable to determine about time, date, and place.

Language Problems:

They have problems asking questions, finding the sentence or phrase for continued conversation, or trying to repeat something they heard somebody else say.

Ageing is a natural process, and thus, the general deterioration of cognitive health can be painful for ageing individuals and their families. It, therefore, becomes important to make early lifestyle adjustments, cognitive therapy, and medication to enable one to live an improved-quality life.

Social withdrawal and isolation 

Older people experience undesirable health status, possibly the loss of a spouse, or total retirement from productive work. Naturally there will be some decrease of sociability but total withdrawal often indicates depression, anxiety or other early stages of dementia.

Symptoms of Social Withdrawal:

Avoiding Social Activities:

Lacks interest in hobbies, club membership, social events or occasions that they formally attend is/are.

Neglecting Relationships:

Avoiding people such as family or friends, failure to take calls or visit them.

Lack of Communication:

Losing interest in speaking with others or decreased level of talking, or making up reasons to avoid speaking or interacting with other people.

Feelings of Loneliness:

Reporting sensations such as loneliness or desire to be alone, even if there are all chances to have someone’s company.

Solitary living in elderly people is not only a sign of mental disorder, but it may also be a trigger to worsen it. Staying active socially is very important for the emotional and mental health hence any person in the care of a caregiver or a family member should promote appointments with friends, and other social events.

Personality Changes 

Another symptom which can be pointed to the presence of mental illness in elderly people is severe fluctuation of personality and mood. For example, a person who used to be polite, sober, and almost indifferent could wake up one morning willing to get angry and even physically ill-tempered. These changes may be because of depression anxiety or any neurological disorder like dementia.

Symptoms of Personality Changes:

Irritability or Agitation: 

Some of the symptoms are easily getting upset or angry over trifling matters.

Aggression: 

He or she may occasionally use abusive language or even act aggressively, yet that mainly due to stress or frustration.

Paranoia or Suspicion: 

Accumulating irrational fears or paranoid ideas, for instance; the idea that family members are stealing from them or were planning to.

These alterations in personality truly upset the elderly as well as their attendants and family members as well. These symptoms may suggest a primary psychiatric disorder or a neurological condition and should be followed by a visit to a doctor.

Conclusion

The prevalence of mental diseases in elderly is on the rise and yet unappreciated because experts writing about aging equate it to mental illness. One can receive proper treatment as early as possible so as to be in a position to enjoy much better standards of living. Family members, caregivers, and healthcare provider always must remain cautious in observing these signs and in getting the right help. They should also have proper care and attention that will Enable them live happy independent lives.

Frequently asked questions

Is depression a normal part of aging?

Also, depression is not usual for elderly and every person with such symptoms should seek help. As the elderly go through many changes in their life more so they should seek medical attention if they constantly feel sad and lose interest in life, this is clinical depression.

Can anxiety be acquired at a certain age for instance during adulthood?

Yes, older adults can develop an anxiety disorder, or the disorder can worsen when they experience stressful factors, health problems, or loss of a loved one, retirement, among others factors.

How can I take care of elderly people who struggle mentally? 

Let them speak to a doctor or a counselor and make sure you are as understanding as you can be. Medications, individual sessions or therapy might control the causes and enhance the lives of such patients.

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