Old Age Psychiatry Flashcards
Why is geriatric psychiatry a necessary specialty?
Geriatric psychiatry is required because psychiatric illnesses in older adults may present differently, with unique manifestations, pathogenesis, and pathophysiology. Chronic medical illnesses often coexist, leading to more drug interactions, and cognitive impairments are common. Aging physiology affects drug therapy, and older adults face increased risks from social stressors.
What characterises the aging process?
Aging is characterised by the progressive deterioration of physiological functions, an intrinsic age-related process that leads to a loss of viability and increased vulnerability.
What are the diseases commonly associated with aging?
Diseases commonly associated with aging include senile cataract, glaucoma, nerve deafness, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, bronchitis, rheumatism, and dental problems. These conditions often lead to disabilities and reduced quality of life.
What major mental health disorders are prevalent in the elderly?
Major mental health disorders prevalent in the elderly include organic disorders, late-life functional diseases (such as mood disorders, neurotic disorders, and schizophrenia), psychoactive substance use disorders, suicidal behaviours, and loneliness.
What are the dimensions of healthy aging?
Healthy aging involves maintaining a healthy mind and life by engaging in productive pursuits and maintaining social connections.
What are the indicators of healthy aging?
Indicators of healthy aging include no physical disability over the age of 75, good subjective health assessment, length of life without disability, good mental health, objective social support, and life satisfaction across various domains such as marriage, work, and social activities.
What suggestions are there for healthy aging?
Suggestions for healthy aging include eating a balanced diet, maintaining a consistent sleep-wake cycle, exercising regularly, practicing meditation, getting regular health check-ups, quitting smoking, practicing safety habits, staying active and socially engaged, and keeping a positive attitude.
What are the stages of the life cycle according to Erikson, particularly for the elderly?
According to Erikson, the stages of the life cycle for the elderly involve facing the crisis of integrity versus despair, where they must accept mortality and find satisfaction in their life’s meaning. Fear of death is typically a mid-life issue.
What are common concerns and life events faced by the elderly?
Common concerns and life events for the elderly include retirement, economic insecurity, decreasing health, dependency, chronic illnesses, lack of caregivers, and facing pain, disability, abandonment, and dependency.
What is elder abuse, and what forms can it take?
Elder abuse can take forms such as denial of basic needs, physical harassment, reliance on others for basic needs, emotional blackmail, and isolation. It often comes from close family members like sons and daughters-in-law.
What is the impact of elder abuse on elderly individuals?
Elder abuse impacts individuals by causing fear, humiliation, and social isolation. Many elderly individuals do not report abuse due to fears of retaliation or wanting to keep family matters private.
What are the ‘Triple Ds’ in elderly mental health, and how do they present?
The ‘Triple Ds’ in elderly mental health are Depression, Dementia, and Delirium. Depression may present without classical sadness, dementia is characterised by progressive cognitive decline, and delirium presents acutely with impaired consciousness and fluctuating symptoms.
What are the risk factors for psychiatric disorders in old age?
Risk factors for psychiatric disorders in old age include loss of social roles and autonomy, deaths of loved ones, declining health, increased isolation, and financial constraints.
What are the characteristics of late-life depression?
Late-life depression is persistent, creates a significant burden, and is often under-recognised. It may present as ‘depression without sadness,’ with cognitive or somatic complaints, and is sometimes linked to vascular changes in the brain.
What factors influence post-stroke depression?
Post-stroke depression is influenced by impairment in social and physical functioning, larger lesion volumes, and often presents 3 to 6 months after a stroke with more vegetative symptoms.
