Psychological disorders or mental health problems can occur at all ages, including the elderly. It does not have to be distinguished, mental illness in the elderly symptoms also need to be treated. Then, when should this condition be examined by a psychiatrist?
Mental disorders or psychological disorders refer to health problems that cause changes in a person’s behavior, emotions, and thoughts. This problem can occur at all ages, including the elderly. Of course, there are impacts that occur when the elderly experience this, especially in daily activities.
There are many types of mental health problems. However, there are some that are more prone to occur in older people, namely anxiety disorders, stress, depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
Just like other mental illnesses, this problem certainly needs to be treated specifically to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
When Mental Illness In The Elderly Symptoms Be Examined By A Psychologist?
Each psychiatric problem that appears will be accompanied by different symptoms for each sufferer. For example, feeling sad is not the main symptom of depression that occurs in the elderly.
However, personality changes and worsening memory, frequent muscle aches, easily tired body, decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, to withdrawal from the environment are signs that need to be watched out for.
Meanwhile, anxiety disorders in the elderly are often characterized by feeling restless, nervous, shaking, sweating frequently, having trouble sleeping, and often experiencing digestive disorders. Then, in schizophrenia, symptoms include slurred speech, delusions, and loss of interest in daily activities.
Then, when does this condition need to get treatment from a mental health expert? Generally, the elderly who suffer from psychological problems are reluctant to tell about what they are experiencing to other people, including their spouse or family members.
This is why family members need to pay close attention to the slightest changes that occur to them, such as changes in behavior, habits, or moods.
So, if you feel you have these changes, don’t hesitate to immediately consult a psychiatrist.
What Causes the Elderly to Have Mental Disorders?
Each form of psychological problem that occurs in the elderly has different causes. Not much different from the symptoms that occur in each sufferer. For example, depression is known to be caused by changes in chemical and biological compounds in the brain, imbalanced body hormones, and heredity.
Then, bipolar disorder, which was not known with certainty what the cause, as well as schizophrenia and anxiety disorders. However, it is believed that this psychiatric problem also occurs due to abnormalities in chemical compounds and functions in the brain, as well as a special genetic combination.
Meanwhile, some cases of anxiety disorders can occur due to the impact of drug use and the presence of other medical conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid problems, and heart disease.
Well, in order to get an accurate diagnosis, of course, the psychologist must conduct a more detailed examination.
Beware of Complications
Any mental condition, whether young or old, must be treated immediately. If not, be aware of possible complications, including:
- The worsening quality of life is due to difficulty in establishing relationships with family or other people.
- Decreased body health. In fact, in some cases, stress and anxiety disorders that are not treated will lead to health problems such as chronic digestive disorders, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems.
- At the risk of death when the sufferer tries to solve the problem by ending life.
So, never be ignored, Psychological disorders also need special attention as well as physical health problems. Recognize the symptoms early on and take immediate action.