Lisa Whitten

Argosy University

PSY 492 Advanced General Psychology

Dr. Guykesha Smith

Mental Illness and the Aging

Hypothesis: Mental illness is not properly diagnosed in the aging

population due to the misconception that mental illness is a normal sign of

the aging process.

Abstract

Patients fear being institutionalized – do not seek treatment

Doctors believe mental illness is part of aging

Lack of services available

Misdiagnosis and Misconceptions

SuicideBoth Beneck-Higgins and Crumpacker refer

to the high suicide rate in the elderly

Lack of hope in these patients due to bereavement, medical issues, lack of self-esteem and lack of social interaction

If left untreated, could cause more social issues

PsychotherapyPharmacologyMultimodal TherapyMaking Services Available

Treatment Options

Depp believed successful aging achieved through:

Cognitive well-beingEmotional well-being

Cognitive ability can improve through intense thinking ie: crossword puzzles

Emotional ability improved through increased social networks

Successful Aging

Screening for mental illness can be done during regular doctors visits

Anxiety and depression questionnaires can be giving as part of checkup paperwork

Referral to mental health specialist suggested

Proper Screening

Increased longer lifespan1/5 of mental illnesses left untreatedThrow out idea that mental illness is normal

process of agingBoth patients and practitioners need

education in mental illness and treatment

Conclusion

Barg, F., Huss-Ashmore, R., Wittink, M., Murray, G., Bogner, H., & Gallo, J. (2006). A Mixed-Methods Approach to Understanding Loneliness and Depression in Older Adults. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 61B(6), S329-S339.

Benek-Higgins, M., McReynolds, C., Hogan, E., & Savickas, S. (2008). Depression and the elder person: The enigma of misconceptions, stigma, and treatment. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 30(4), 283-296.

References

Crumpacker, D W (Oct 2008). Suicidality and antidepressants in the elderly.  Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings, 21, 4. p.373(5).

Cyr, N.  (2007). Depression and older adults. Association of Operating Room Nurses. AORN Journal, 85(2), 397-401. 

Davies, R., Sieber, K., & Hunt, S. (1994). Age-cohort differences in treating symptoms of mental illness: A process approach. Psychology and Aging, 9(3), 446-453. doi:10.1037/0882-7974.9.3.446.

References

Depp, C. A. (November 1, 2007). The Intersection of Mental Health and Successful Aging. Psychiatric Times, 24, 13. p.20.

George, L.K. (2001). Aging and the life course. In Edgar F. Borgatta & Rhonda J.V. Montgomery (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Sociology, 1(2nd ed.), pp. 78-86. New York, NY: Macmillan

Rait, G., & Burns, A. (1998). Screening for depression and cognitive impairment in older people from ethnic minorities. Age & Ageing, 27(3), 271.

References

Sorocco, K. H. & McCallum, T.J. (2006). Mental health promotion in older adults: addressing treatment approaches and available screening tools. Geriatric,61 (1), 19.

Van Etten, D. (2006). Psychotherapy with older adults benefits and barriers. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing & Mental Health Services, 44(11), 28-33.

References