Mental health concerns exist for many individuals; however there are specific concerns in the area of geriatrics (pertaining to the study of elderly or the aging). Issues such as dementia, delirium, psychosis, and depression seem to rate the highest. In general, elderly folks are more sensitive to mental health medications and their side effects; especially women.
- Dementia comes in many forms that are known to occur in elderly individuals. Alzheimer’s seems to be the most prevalent. Mental deterioration due to Alzheimer’s dementia can last 5-20 years and can occur with the following symptoms: delirium, delusions, depressed mood, and behavioral disturbances. Other symptoms such as memory loss, language difficulties, and difficulty in performing motor skills or failure to identify objects or people are all classic signs of the early stages of dementia. Dementia itself is untreatable; however, medications can be given to treat other symptoms such as depression or aggressive behavior.
- Delirium can often be misdiagnosed and can be caused by an extreme sensitivity to surgery and anesthesia, drug toxicity and infections. Some common symptoms include inability to focus, disturbed consciousness, impaired judgment, or a decrease/increase in motor activity. Diagnosis can be made by doing an EEG (electroencephalogram) which will show slowing in brain activity. Treatment can be effective once the underlying cause can be found. Medications can be given to try to reduce the symptoms.
- Psychosis is usually another term for schizophrenia or bipolar disorders. Schizophrenia is a group of mental disorders that involve disturbances in thinking, mood, and behavior. Bipolar disorders involve periods of depression followed by periods of mania. Mania can be accompanies by the feeling of being 10 feet tall and bullet proof, lack of sleep, and excessive activity. A well-known bipolar disorder is manic depression.
- Depression is a common condition among elderly women. Statistics have shown that many depressed patients will go untreated due to improper diagnosis. Common symptoms include but are not limited to: disturbances in sleep, self esteem, sexual desire, appetite, energy, concentration, memory and movement, feeling guilty, thoughts of suicide (planned or attempts), or pain. Depression can be caused by several personal losses experienced in rapid sequence, which happens often with the elderly. Certain medical condtions seem to be associated with depression such as Alzheimer’s disease, Cancer, CHF (congestive heart failure), diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and sexual dysfunction. Some medications are known to be associated with depression such as anticancer drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs or progesterone. Psychotherapy along with certain medications is often a good treatment route. These drugs include tricyclics (imipramine, amitryptyline), heterocyclics, SSRI’s (Prozac), or MAOIs. Along with these drugs come a list of side effects such as blurred vision, dry mouth, confusion, or sexual dysfunction to name a few.
This is by no means an all-inclusive list of mental health issues in the elderly; it is merely a summary. It is the hope that information will arm you with the ability to seek out help for a loved one if needed.
