What Is the Most Common Mental Illness in the Elderly?

Did you know that according to the World Health Organization, approximately 14% of older adults live with a mental health disorder? That is close to one in six seniors who may struggle with their senior wellness and brain health.

If you are a senior in Ventura, CA, you may be wondering: What is the most common mental illness in the elderly? Seniors can suffer from many of the same issues that plague the general population, as well as unique problems that arise with older age.

Learn about aging, mental health, and how to care for yourself mentally in your senior years.

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions affecting people of all ages. However, it can become more of an issue as you age.

Here are some of the main subtypes of anxiety disorders:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD is the most common type of anxiety disorder. GAD occurs when a person simply has a higher level of anxiety surrounding everyday activities.

Levels of anxiety can fluctuate depending on many different factors. There may also be periods where anxiety is worse due to external stimuli or underlying situations.

Some of the most effective treatment methods for GAD include:

Talk therapy
Antidepressant and antianxiety medication
Self-coping techniques

For older folks, changes in lifestyle or health can exacerbate already-existing symptoms of GAD. For instance, retiring from your career or receiving a life-changing medical diagnosis may cause symptoms to spike.

Panic Disorder

The main symptom of panic disorder is persistent panic attacks. Panic attacks occur in those who suffer from anxiety because the body senses a real or perceived danger, and shifts into a fight, flight, or freeze reaction.

Many sufferers often mistake panic attack symptoms for those of a heart attack. Common signs of a panic attack include:

Excessive worry
Hyperventilation
Perceived loss of control
Sweating
Nausea and vomiting
Chest pain or discomfort

Treatment for panic disorder focuses on short-term solutions, such as fast-acting medication and coping mechanisms. Sufferers may also need to avoid situations that trigger the panic attacks until they can get their reactions under control.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Although not as well-known, OCD can be debilitating to those who suffer from it. The condition has many different subtypes, relating to issues such as:

Germs and cleanliness
Repeated actions (compulsions)
Intrusive thoughts
Obsessive ruminations

For seniors with OCD, major life transitions can cause flare-ups of symptoms. If you have OCD and you're stressed from moving into an independent living community, evaluate your feelings and utilize coping mechanisms if necessary.

Depression

Depression in seniors is incredibly common. If you already suffer from depression, your symptoms may be exacerbated by life changes such as retirement or loss of a loved one.

Seniors often find themselves experiencing depression due to social isolation and a lack of routine. Retirement offers a chance to change your lifestyle, yet you may feel a loss without decades of structure to rely on.

If you fear that you have depression, it's important to meet with your doctor. They may prescribe an antidepressant medication to help manage your symptoms. Or, they might recommend therapy to learn coping skills for issues that arise.

General Cognitive Decline

As you age, it is completely normal to experience some degree of cognitive decline. You may find yourself lacking the mental sharpness you're accustomed to.

For those with normal, age-related cognitive decline, there are simple ways you can incorporate brain wellness into your everyday routine:

Maintain a philosophy of lifelong learning
Challenge yourself with puzzles
Read regularly, rather than watch TV
Spend time with family and friends
Look at old photographs and documents to stimulate memory

If you have concerns about your cognitive abilities, consult your doctor for guidance. They may administer a cognitive exam to assess your ability to retain information over short and long periods.

Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease

When you think of age-related mental illness, dementia is probably at the forefront of your mind. Dementia is more than just cognitive decline. It's a progressive disease that causes major issues such as complete memory loss and a lack of ability to communicate.

Some symptoms of dementia to look out for include:

Memory loss: Inability to remember major details, such as names, locations, or periods
Loss of motor function: Trouble with dexterity, specifically tasks like writing
Aggressiveness: Patients may experience increased aggression due to overwhelming confusion with changes
Impulsive decision making: Doing things that are dangerous or out of character
Language issues: Problems with finding the right word or adequately expressing feelings and emotions

Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia characterized by the buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain. As the plaques increase, the patient progressively loses brain function.

Although Alzheimer's disease is not the most aggressive type of dementia, it's certainly the most well-known. Millions of Americans suffer from the condition, and that number is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years.

Tips for Aging and Mental Health

As you age, prioritize your mental health. Your retirement years present a unique opportunity to improve your mental health without traditional distractions such as jobs and children.

Here are some key tips for keeping your mental health in check as you grow older:

Work with a therapist and/or psychiatrist
Try to exercise several times a week
Move to an independent or senior living community
Engage with family and friends
Try a hobby you've always wanted to learn
Spend more time outdoors, especially in the warmer months

Ultimately, managing your mental health is your responsibility.