Mental illnesses are often thought of as problems that only affect young people. However, mental illnesses can show up at any age. Mental illnesses can develop during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. Many mental illnesses first appear in childhood or adolescence. But some mental illnesses can first appear in adulthood.
There are many different types of mental illness. Some common types of mental illness include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and eating disorders. Mental illness is not always easy to identify. Symptoms of mental illness can vary from person to person and change over time.
Mental illness is treatable. If you think you or someone you know might have a mental illness, it’s important to get help early on. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in managing the symptoms of mental illness and improving quality of life.
Aging and Mental Health. Aging is a complex physical, mental, social and spiritual process
The physical changes that take place in our bodies as we age are well known. We can see them in the mirror – wrinkles, gray hair, a more sedentary lifestyle. But the mental changes that occur are less well understood, and often go unrecognized.
As we age, we may find it more difficult to concentrate or remember things. We may have trouble sleeping or feel depressed. These changes are normal part of aging, but they can also be symptoms of underlying mental health problems.
Mental health problems are common in older adults. In fact, one in four adults over the age of 65 has a diagnosable mental illness. The most common mental illnesses among older adults are anxiety disorders and depression. Other common problems include substance abuse, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Aging is not a cause of mental illness, but it is a risk factor. Mental health problems can be exacerbated by chronic medical conditions, social isolation, bereavement and other stressors associated with aging. Older adults who have never experienced mental health problems may find themselves struggling as they face these challenges in their later years..
Fortunately, there are effective treatments for mental illness at any age. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a mental illness, don’t hesitate to seek help from a qualified professional.
Late-Life Mental Afflictions. Some common mental disorders that afflict elderly people include:
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health problem in the United States among people aged 65 and older. Approximately 15 percent of people in this age group have an anxiety disorder. The most common types of anxiety disorders among older adults are generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and specific phobias.
Depression is a significant problem in late life. The prevalence of depression increases with age, affecting approximately 20 percent of people aged 65 and older. Depression in late life can be caused by many factors, including physical illness, medications, social isolation, grief, and financial problems. Older adults with depression often have trouble sleeping and may experience changes in appetite and weight. They may also have difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
Dementia is a degenerative brain disease that affects approximately 5 million Americans aged 65 and older. Dementia can lead to memory loss, confusion, difficulty communicating, and changes in mood or behavior. People with dementia often need help with activities of daily living such as eating or dressing themselves. Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health condition that affects about 1 percent of the population over the age of 65 years old.
Dementia
Dementia symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Some people with dementia may experience only mild changes in their mental abilities, while others may experience more severe changes that interfere with their ability to function independently.
The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which accounts for 60-80% of all cases. Other types of dementia include Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and vascular dementia.
Dementia is not a normal part of aging, and it is not something that will necessarily happen to everyone as they get older. However, the risk of developing dementia does increase with age. Approximately 1% of people over the age of 65 have dementia, and the prevalence doubles every 5 years after that point. By age 85, as many as 50% of people may have some form of dementia.
Living with Late-Life Mental Illness
Late-life mental illness is a difficult thing to live with. It can be hard to keep up with the demands of everyday life, let alone manage a mental illness. Unfortunately, late-life mental illness is quite common. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 20% of adults aged 55 or older experience some form of mental illness. That number goes up to about 50% for adults aged 85 or older.
There are many different types of mental illnesses that can develop later in life. Some common ones include depression, anxiety, dementia, and bipolar disorder. Each type of mental illness comes with its own set of symptoms and challenges. It can be hard to cope with the changes that come with late-life mental illness. But there are treatments available that can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
If you’re dealing with late-life mental illness, it’s important to seek out help from a qualified professional. They can assess your symptoms and formulate a treatment plan that’s right for you. There’s no shame in seeking help for mental health issues. In fact, it’s one of the bravest things you can do.