Anxiety Disorders In The Elderly
Bringing Order to Disorder
Behavioral problems are often the most challenging ones for a caregiver to deal with, especially when caring for an elder adult.
While other diseases, such as Alzheimer's, command greater attention, anxiety disorders afflict up to 20 % of the elderly population,
or 7 million people, while Alzheimer's afflicts about 4 million.
What Are Anxiety Disorders?
Most people experience occasional anxiety and stress.
It's a normal part of life in today's world; however, when this anxiety and fear are overwhelming, of long duration, and interfere
with a person's daily life, it is considered an anxiety disorder.
What Causes Them?
Most elderly adults who have an anxiety disorder had one when they were younger.
The disorder is brought out through stresses and vulnerabilities as a result of the aging process.
Chronic physical ailments, impairment of reasoning capacity, and traumatic emotional losses can all contribute
to the onset of an anxiety disorder.
Childhood environment, biological factors (such as a physical overreaction to stress) genetics, thought patterns,
and stress overload due to lifestyle factors can all be underlying factors of an anxiety disorder.
What Are The Different Types of Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety disorders are typically divided into three categories:
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):
excessive or uncontrollable worrying about everyday matters.
Physical symptoms include muscle tension, sweating, nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort or diarrhea,
cold or clammy hands, difficulty swallowing, and jumpiness.
-
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
uncontrollable obsessions and compulsions.
Common obsessions include fears of coming into contact with dirt, germs, or "unclean" objects are common;
persistent doubts that an oven or iron has been left on, doors unlocked, etc., are typical of OCD.
-
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
when the aftermath of a traumatic experience interferes with a person's normal functioning.
Symptoms of PTSD include re-experiencing the event in the form of intrusive thoughts or recurrent dreams;
hypersensitivity, irritability and angry outbursts;
and a general numbness and loss of interest in surroundings.
Recognizing The Signs
If you suspect an elderly loved one may be suffering from an anxiety disorder, evaluate the situation before reaching any conclusions.
Look for signs that include:
-
Altered routines and activities:
Have you noticed your parents avoiding social activities or refusing to do the daily activities or routines that they
formerly took pleasure in?
-
Exaggerated worries:
Do you see your parents increasingly worrying about fairly routine issues to a degree that seems to dramatically outweigh
their real importance?
-
Medications:
Prescription drugs can cause side effects (breathing difficulties, irregular heartbeats, etc.) that mirror symptoms of anxiety.
Ask if they are taking any new medications or have recently changed the dosage of medications.
-
General mood:
Depression frequently accompanies an anxiety disorder, so be aware of signs of depression as you observe your parents.
You Have Concerns. What Should You Do?
Speaking with them is one of the best ways to find out if there is a problem.
If you see signs of an anxiety disorder, your next step should be to ask a few questions.
These questions can include asking:
-
Have you been really concerned or worried about a lot of things?
-
Do you have a difficult time putting things out of your mind?
-
Is there anything happening in your life right now that is causing you a lot of worry?
Speak with them in an open, non-judgmental way to express your concern for their welfare, and listen to their concerns with an open mind.
Work with them to schedule a visit with a behavioral health care professional for a professional assessment, guidance, treatment,
and care options.
Those who suffer from an anxiety disorder frequently struggle with depression as well.
The good news is that both are highly treatable.
The sooner you recognize the disorder and get treatment to those suffering from an anxiety disorder,
the better are the chances for a speedy return to a healthy and satisfying life.
