Common types of mental disorders
Studies show that seniors are at a greater risk of some mental disorders and their complications than younger people. While many of these illnesses can be accurately diagnosed and treated, many seniors are reluctant to seek treatment from a mental health practitioner.
Alzheimer's Disease, which causes some of the brain's cells to die, involves a part of the brain that controls memory, but eventually spreads to intellectual, emotional and behavioral abilities.
Anger and rage while anger is associated with injustice, disappointment, or dislike, rage is an accumulation of anger.
Anxiety disorder is a common emotional disorder which may be centered on overwhelming feelings of panic and fear, painful and intrusive memories and obsessive thoughts.
Dementia is characterized by confusion, memory loss and disorientation.
Depression is possibly the most common mental disorder for senior citizens. See additional information at Depression
Panic disorders usually result from an overwhelming combination of physical and psychological distress. Symptoms often include pounding heart or chest pain, sweating, shortness of breath, nausea and fear of losing control,
Causes for some additional forms of dementia may include:
- Vascular of multi- infarct dementia usually occurs as a result of complications of chronic high blood pressure, blood vessle disease or a history of stroke.
- Severe or advanced stages of Parkinson's disease may create dementia.
It is believed seniors may be at greater risk for certain mental health problems as a result of factors including:
- Medications are taken more by seniors than any other age group and coupled with slower metabolism, the medications can stay in the body longer and reach toxic levels. In addition, multiple medications, especially combined with drinking alcoholic beverages may cause interactions causing confusion, mood changes and other symptoms of dementia.
- Malnutrition caused by poor eating habits can upset the way the brain functions, especially interrupting the steady supply of proper nutrients required by the brain.
- Diseases of the heart or lungs can decrease the amount of oxygen the brain needs to work properly thereby affecting the brain and behavior.
- Diseases of the adrenal, thyroid, pituitary or other glands can affect mental processes as these glands help regulate emotion, perception, memory and thought processes.
Good mental health throughtout life does not ensure immunity from severe depression, Alzheimer's disease, anxiety disorders and other mental disorders in the senior years of life. Treatments may be available for certain conditions and seniors should not be afraid to seek medical and psychiatric evaluations and treatments to return to a productive and happy life. There is help, and there is hope.
