The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that approximately 14% of older adults aged 65 and above live with a mental disorder, including anxiety. Anxiety is often a natural response to stressors like speaking in public and meeting new people.
Most times, anxiety disorders go undiagnosed in the elderly for various reasons. One of them is that older adults may not recognize the symptoms of the disorder. They may be reluctant to share their feelings with their doctors or may even fail to seek any treatment.
Here, we discuss all you need to know about anxiety in the elderly, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Causes
Anxiety disorders in elderly adults often occur due to various environmental and situational triggers. Some causes of senior mental health issues include the following:
Stressful Life Events
Seniors sometimes experience the loss of loved ones and friends. This may lead to general feelings of anxiety.
Loss of Independence
As you grow older, most people tend to lose the ability to take care of themselves. You’ll need help with daily activities, including bathing, dressing, and eating. This can lead to feelings of less engagement and social isolation, contributing to anxiety.
Financial Insecurity
It’s common for older adults to worry about whether they’ve saved enough to take care of themselves and their loved ones. This constant worry causes anxiety.
Chronic Health Conditions
Chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and obesity can affect seniors both physically and mentally, increasing the likelihood of developing anxiety.
Other causes of anxiety may include:
- Trauma from childhood
- Sleep disturbances like insomnia
- Side effects of some medications, such as stimulants and steroids
- Abuse of prescription medicines and alcohol
Some people may be at significant risk of developing anxiety if members of their family have a similar disorder. It’s advisable to seek help from a licensed mental health psychologist to help deal with this mental condition.
Signs and Symptoms
There are different types of anxiety disorders. These include the following:
- Social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Panic disorder
Some of the common symptoms of all types of anxiety disorders in seniors include:
- Trouble concentrating
- Excessive fear and worry over several things
- Feeling restless
- Weak and tense muscles
- Difficulty sleeping
- Avoiding social settings
- Changes in eating habits and weight
- Forgetfulness
- Compulsive behavior
If you feel like anxiety is taking over your life, seek help from a healthcare professional. Visit an assisted living community in Alexandria, LA, for assistance with handling the physically demanding aspects of your life.
Treatment Options for Anxiety in the Elderly
Most seniors neglect seeking help for their anxiety due to a lack of understanding about the mental condition or shame. It’s important to note that anxiety is not a disorder that you can wish away or control. Anxiety, just like any chronic health condition, requires medical attention.
In order to diagnose your issue, a mental health expert may give you a psychological examination: This involves discussing your behavior, feelings, and thoughts to check for anxiety.
A health practitioner may also assess your symptoms with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria by the American Psychiatric Association.
The primary treatment options for anxiety are psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of the two. It’s worth noting that it may take some time before you discover which treatment method works best for you.
Psychotherapy
This is also known as psychological counseling or talk therapy and mainly involves working with a therapist or counselor to reduce your anxiety symptoms. This type of mental health support for seniors helps them tackle their fears and become more comfortable in situations that bring them anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular form of talk therapy when treating anxiety. This kind of therapy is generally short-term and focuses on equipping you with skills to improve your symptoms and return to activities you’ve avoided as a result of the mental condition.
CBT involves exposure therapy, where you slowly encounter the situation or object that triggers your anxiety. This way, you gain confidence to manage your symptoms.
Prescription Medications
Several types of medications alleviate feelings of nervousness and panic and allow you to function normally. Some medications used in the treatment of anxiety disorders include:
- Anti-anxiety medicines such as benzodiazepines and buspirone
- Anti-depressants like serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
- Beta-blockers, used to treat hypertension, may be prescribed for short-term relief of anxiety.
Discuss the advantages, side effects, and possible risks of these medications with your doctor.
Managing Anxiety in Seniors
Practicing healthy lifestyle behaviors and habits can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety. Some of the ways you can manage anxiety in older adults include the following:
Getting Enough Sleep
Seniors need seven to nine hours of sleep daily in a comfortable space to reduce symptoms of anxiety. According to new research from the University of California, Berkley, a sleepless night can cause up to a 30% rise in anxiety levels.
Talk It Out
Sharing our experiences and feelings with those around us can reduce feelings of anxiety. Join an in-person or online support group for people with anxiety disorders, or talk to a close spiritual leader, family member, or friend.
Manage Your Stress
Stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and joining wellness programs can relieve some physical symptoms of anxiety.
Avoid Stimulants
Some substances are known to worsen symptoms of anxiety disorders. These include alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, some herbal supplements, and over-the-counter cold medications.
Stay Active
Another tip to improve the emotional well-being for elderly people is staying active. Engage in hobbies you like and social interactions to deal with anxiety and stress.
How to Treat and Manage Anxiety
Anxiety is a common disorder across all ages but may look a little different for older adults. Seniors tend to worry more about their financial security, aging, the loss of loved ones, or chronic illnesses. Taking small steps like going to therapy or connecting with family and friends can help manage anxiety in the elderly.
SummerHouse Alexandria provides a supportive and loving environment for older adults. Our community has various activities that seniors can engage in including movie night, board games, bingo, and many more.
Contact us to schedule a tour of our senior living community in Alexandria, LA.
