The appearance of physical illnesses is one of the most common causes of visits to the doctor in older people. Since the aging process causes the weakening of bones and muscles, as well as reducing the effectiveness of basic functions, such as cardiac and respiratory capacity or skin health. These problems are easier to identify and do not carry any type of social stigma. But this is not the case with psychological disorders. These are two of the main reasons why mental illnesses in the elderly are not usually detected in their most primary stages.
A good part of people over the age of 60 ignore the warning symptoms of these disorders, and their relatives tend to associate them with other types of physical ailments. However, early intervention and proper treatment make a big difference. It can greatly improve the quality of life of people who suffer from them, especially in the case of the most frequent.
The reasons that cause the development of a mental illness in the elderly are very diverse and there are four of them that, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), are the most common diagnoses.
The first of these is dementia, a chronic and degenerative disorder that directly affects behavior and cognition, especially memory. This means that older people, little by little, stop being able to act independently and end up needing help and assistance even for the most daily tasks.
The second most common mental illness among the elderly is depression, one of the most frequent and, at the same time, one of the least identified. Something similar happens with the next one, anxiety. Both have consequences on physical health.
Another of the most common disorders are delusions, that is, acute confusional syndrome (ACS). Hallucinations, an inexplicable fear, memory failures or disorientation are some of its symptoms.
Sometimes it is the role of family members or those around them to identify if an older person might be suffering from a mental illness. To do this, it will be key to look at their behavior. Specifically, if certain changes have been perceived, such as in their mood or energy, but also related to their diet or sleep routines. If you feel sadness, discouragement, irritability or even aggressiveness. And if he shows negative behaviors, such as intrusive thoughts, a tendency to isolate. As well as self-destructive actions, such as excessive consumption of alcohol or tobacco, even substances. All of these will be warning signs.
