PSYC 341 Lecture Notes - Lecture 15: Old Age, Aging Brain, Dsm-5
Document Summary
Old age defined as the years past age 65: 35 million old people in the u. s, women outnumber men 3 to 2. Old age brings special pressure, unique upsets, and biological changes. Disorders of old age are caused by pressures more likely to appear at. Geropsychology is the field of psychology dedicated to the mental health of elderly. As many as 50% of elderly people could benefit from mental health services; only 20% receive them. Depression is one of the most common mh problems. Symptoms are the same for elderly people as others: 20% experience depression during old ag (older w have highest rates). Untreated depression among elderly raises their chances of developing other significant medical problems. Anxiety is also common among the elderly. 6% older m, 11% of w have anxiety disorders: gad experienced by up to 7% of all elderly, anxiety may be underreported; health issues. Older adults often treated with various therapies, particularly cognitive & antianxiety medications.
