Mental Illnesses Among Older Adults - 883 Words

Did you know that nearly 20% of people age 55 years or older experience some type of mental health concern? (Centers for Disease and Prevention National Association of Chronic Disease Directors, 2008) Mental illnesses are very common among older adults and many times will go undiagnosed or will be misdiagnosed. This can happen because the signs of mental illnesses can be easily mistaken for the normal process of aging. Throughout this paper I will focus on the three most common types of mental illnesses among older adults, the facts of mental illnesses, how to recognize the symptoms, and properly treat/care for and older adult with a mental illness. According to the American Psychiatric Association â€Å"Studies show that seniors are at greater risk of some mental disorders and their complications than younger people, and many of these illnesses can be accurately diagnosed and treated.†(American Psychiatric Association, 2015, para. 1). Although many of the illnesses can be treated, many go undiagnosed due to the fact that many individuals do not understand mental illnesses and some seniors are reluctant to seek psychiatric care due to being ashamed or believing that their symptoms are a part of aging that everyone experiences. It is not just the seniors and their family or friends that fail to recognize symptoms of mental illness, even their doctors may mistake a symptom of mental illness for another illness or problem associated with older adults. The most common mentalShow MoreRelatedMental Disorders Among Geriatrics Are One Of The Most Costly Public Health Dilemmas1055 Words   |  5 PagesABSTRACT Mental disorders among geriatrics are one of the most costly public health dilemmas. Depression, suicidal behavior, and Alzheimer’s are just a few common mental illnesses the elderly suffers from. 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