Assessment and Treatment of Geriatric Anxiety Disorders Essay

Anxiety is perhaps the most common mental issue among females, particularly among older populations. Generalized anxiety disorder ranks highest among common anxiety disorders in elderly females, although the condition is often disguised as a characteristic of old age (Pary et al., 2019). Studies have proved that anxiety disorder is a risk factor for various issues, including memory issues, mobility, and generally reduced quality of life or death. The condition also coexists with other mental disorders, the likes of bipolar disorder, depression, dysthymia, and drug abuse. The management and treatment of mental disorders involve detailed assessment, planning, and intervention. According to Bodner, Palgi, & Wyman (2018), Psychiatric practitioners often prescribe medication for anxiety disorders, although there are other approaches to geriatric mental issues, including psychotherapy. Assessment and Treatment of Geriatric Anxiety Disorders Essay.

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            The assessment step is crucial in treating anxiety disorders. These conditions have distinct yet similar clinical presentations hence the need for keenness (Bodner, Palgi, & Wyman, 2018). It is important to note the patient’s medical history and ensure that all traumatic experiences, including diseases, are captured. Holding discussions surrounding stressors like CAN, COPD, DM, HLD, and HTN is also critical. Determining the health condition, coping mechanisms, and previous medications, and supplements, if any, is also paramount.  The planning stage encompasses identifying triggers, possible ways to eliminate them, holding discussions with the medical team and caregivers, and addressing an appropriate care plan (Pary et al., 2019). Assessment and Treatment of Geriatric Anxiety Disorders Essay.An endocrine profile may be necessary to establish any abnormalities in the blood or urine sample, including estrogen and progesterone. Medications may be administered to address hormonal imbalance and aid in sleep.

Geriatric psychiatric patients’ goals include finding a lasting solution for her condition, reducing clinic visits or hospital admissions, cut down on costs, shifting the focus to preventive care, and improving the quality of life. The patient, in this case, is no exception.

References

Bodner, E., Palgi, Y., & Wyman, M. F. (2018). Ageism in mental health assessment and treatment of older adults. In Contemporary perspectives on ageism (pp. 241-262). Springer, Cham.

Pary, R., Sarai, S. K., Sumner, R., & Lippmann, S. (2019). Anxiety in geriatrics. Assessment and Treatment of Geriatric Anxiety Disorders Essay.