Mental Health
Geriatric Mental Health
Geriatric Mental Health Services at Centric Behavioral Health
Geriatric Mental Health Services
At Centric Behavioral Health, we understand the unique mental health challenges experienced by the elderly, such as the prevalence of late-life anxiety disorders, which significantly impact them. Our geriatric mental health services are designed to handle these challenges with compassion and understanding to ensure our senior clients enjoy life to the fullest with dignity. This detailed guide will discuss why mental health in the elderly is important, common mental health problems affecting this group, and our approach to giving effective, respectful care.
Understanding Geriatric Mental Health
Geriatric mental health is the study, prevention, and treatment of mental disorders in older adults. Mental health issues, including anxiety disorder, are not an inevitable part of aging, though the changes that have occurred in older adults can place them at higher risk for such conditions, including loneliness, the loss of loved ones, and physical health problems. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common form of anxiety in older adults. The condition manifests as excessive and uncontrollable worry about everyday issues. This can be significantly debilitating to the quality of life and is an essential area of focus in geriatric mental health care. Other mental health issues affecting older adults include depression, cognitive decline, and late-life anxiety disorders. Risk factors for mental health problems in the elderly include personal or family history of mental disorders, chronic illness, and significant life changes or losses.
Common Late Life Anxiety Disorders and Other Mental Health Issues in Older Adults Include
These are perhaps the most common mental health disorders in older adults and are often not diagnosed because it is mistakenly believed that they are just part of the aging process. This includes other important considerations, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder. Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves obsessional thinking and the need for rituals to reduce anxiety, while panic disorder includes sudden attacks of terror. Both conditions are under-detected and under-treated among older people, and as such, better screening and treatment strategies need to be put in place.
PTSD may be seen to develop after a specific traumatic event and may impact older adults significantly, especially if a particular event or disability triggers it. It serves to underscore the need for further research and improved screening for anxiety disorders in the elderly population.
Anxiety disorders in older adults are often accompanied by the physical symptoms of trembling, nausea, and chest pains, among others, which may complicate diagnoses and treatments.
The psychological symptoms of anxiety, such as agitation and cognitive impairment, markedly impact the quality of life in elderly individuals with dementia, thus reinforcing the importance of discriminating between normal aging and anxiety disorders.
This includes Alzheimer’s disease, which affects memory and other cognitive functions.
Changes in sleep patterns are typical in older adults and can impact mental health significantly.
Some mental health conditions first appear later in life and require specialized care.
Treatments Options
Our programs provide world-class, evidence-based treatment for substance abuse, dual diagnosis, and mental health conditions, all within boutique, supportive environments. With expertly trained staff and personalized treatment plans, you can trust that choosing one of our facilities means receiving the highest standard of care tailored to your unique needs.
Inpatient Program
Partial Hospitalization
Intensive Outpatient
Outpatient Treatment
Supportive Housing
Aftercare
Why the Emphasis on Geriatric Mental Health?
The mental health of older adults must be given priority because the quality of life among elderly patients is improved through effective mental health care.
- Reduced Physical Health Issues: Mental and physical health have a massive link. Mental distress can exacerbate physical ailments. Severe anxiety that remains untreated will not only have mental health implications but is also likely to have negative consequences on the physical health of the older adult.
- Less Likelihood of Isolation in the Elderly: Other than preventing the onset of isolation so common in old age, which is a known primary driver in the rapid acceleration of mental health issues, knowledge of the relationship between anxiety and neurodegenerative disorders points to the possible role of mental health care in helping to reduce the risk of such illnesses as dementia.
Centric Behavioral Health's Geriatric Mental Health Services
We also provide therapy sessions specifically designed for older adults—addressing stages of grief, transition to retirement, and coping with changes in physical health. Older adults need to get treatment for mental health issues because so many will not seek help due to beliefs that their suffering is every day or that treatment won’t help.
CBT has been proven very effective in treating anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances in older adults. Our therapists adapt these techniques to be appropriate to any cognitive decline that might be present.
Recognizing that family is a critical support system for many older adults, we provide family counseling to help relatives understand and support their loved one’s mental health needs.
Our psychiatrists specialize in the safe prescribing and management of medication in older adults, considering any potential interactions with other drugs and managing side effects. This also includes the use of SSRIs to ease symptoms of anxiety.
For patients suffering from cognitive decline, we offer specialty programs designed to slow progression and manage symptoms effectively.
Getting Started with Geriatric Mental Health Services
If you or a loved one are experiencing mental health issues associated with aging, Centric Behavioral Health is here to help. It begins with a comprehensive assessment. Our team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to address your needs.
Contact Us
To learn more about our senior mental health services or to schedule an appointment, visit our contact page or call us directly. Centric Behavioral Health is committed to providing the highest mental health care for older people, maintaining independence, and continuing rich, whole lives.
Contact us today to learn more about our expert programs and how we can help you find long-term healing today.