1
GERIATRIC RELATED MENTAL
HEALTH PROBLEMS
MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
FACILITATOR: MADAM SAMINA ROOHI
2
Group No: 04
I. Attha Shahid
II. Fariha Abdul Wahid
III. Rida Zameer
IV. Zunaira BiBi
V. Rashida Sardar
VI. Abida Parveen
VII. Parveen Akhter
[Link] kanwal
IX. Sumaira Yasmeen
X. Faiza Aslam
3
OBJECTIVES:
Identify common mental health disorders affecting the
elderly.
Differentiate between symptoms and diagnostic tools used
in assessing geriatric mental health.
Outline pharmacological and non-pharmacological
interventions for managing mental illnesses in older adults.
Explore the role of psychosocial and therapeutic support
for geriatric patients.
Promote early identification and holistic care strategies in
geriatric mental health management.
4
GERIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH
Geriatric Mental Health
Mental health conditions affecting adults aged
65 and above.
Rising elderly population, increased dependency,
underdiagnosed mental health issues lead to
study mental health issues of geriatrics..
5
COMMON GERIATRIC MENTAL
HEALTH DISORDERS
6
7
Depression
• Most prevalent mental health disorder in older
adults.
• Often underdiagnosed due to overlap with physical
illness.
• Symptoms: Persistent sadness, fatigue, sleep
disturbance, loss of interest.
• Risk factors: Isolation, bereavement, chronic
illness.
• Can be managed with antidepressants,
psychotherapy, and social support. 8
Alzheimer’s Disease
• Progressive neurodegenerative disorder
causing memory and cognitive decline.
• Alzheimer’s is the most common form of
Dementia.
• Symptoms: Memory loss, disorientation,
personality changes, language difficulty.
• No cure; managed with medications (e.g.,
cholinesterase inhibitors), routine, and
safety interventions.
9
Delirium
• Acute and reversible disturbance in
attention and cognition.
• Commonly triggered by infection,
medications, dehydration, or surgery.
• Symptoms: Sudden confusion,
hallucinations, fluctuating alertness.
• Medical emergency requiring prompt
evaluation and treatment of the underlying
10
cause.
Anxiety Disorders
• Common types: Generalized Anxiety
Disorder (GAD), panic attacks, phobias.
• Symptoms: Excessive worry, restlessness,
muscle tension, insomnia.
• May be mistaken for medical problems or
dementia.
• Treated with therapy (CBT), relaxation
techniques, and medications.
11
Bipolar Disorder
• Characterized by mood swings: depressive and
hypomanic or manic episodes.
• Bipolar II is more common in late-life onset,
often confused with depression or dementia.
• Symptoms: Mood instability, irritability, energy
shifts, poor judgment.
• Management: Mood stabilizers, psychotherapy,
structured routines.
• Requires careful medication monitoring due to
12
age-related sensitivities.
Schizophrenia
• Late-onset schizophrenia is rare but often persistent
into old age.
• Symptoms: Hallucinations, delusions, disorganized
thoughts, social withdrawal.
• Can mimic dementia, making diagnosis difficult.
• Treated with antipsychotics, structured
environments, and supportive therapy.
• Focus on functional ability and reducing relapse.
13
Psychotic Disorders
• Involve loss of contact with reality, including
delusions and hallucinations.
• Symptoms: Suspicion, paranoia, auditory/visual
hallucinations, disorganized thinking.
• Often triggered or worsened by medications,
sensory loss, or isolation.
• Management includes antipsychotic
medications, supportive therapy, and safe
environments.
14
Substance Abuse in the Elderly
• Often under-recognized in older adults due to
stigma and age-related masking.
• Common substances: alcohol, prescription
medications (e.g., benzodiazepines, opioids).
• Symptoms: Confusion, falls, memory problems,
mood changes.
• Risk factors: Chronic pain, loneliness, past
substance use history.
• Management: Detoxification, counseling,
medication review, support groups. 15
Other Contributing Factors
• Biological Factors
Brain changes, chronic diseases, medication
side effects.
• Psychosocial Factors
Isolation, bereavement, role loss, financial
issues.
• Environmental Factors
Institutionalization, poor living conditions,
16
abuse.
Screening and Assessment
Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
Confusion Assessment Method (CAM)
17
Geriatric Depression Scale
• A screening tool designed specifically for older
adults.
• Contains 15 or 30 yes/no questions.
• Questions assess mood, motivation, energy, and
satisfaction with life.
• Scores:
• 0–4: Normal
• 5–8: Mild depression
• 9–11: Moderate depression 18
• 12–15: Severe depression
Mini-Mental State Examination
• Tool for assessing cognitive function and screening
for dementia.
• Orientation (time/place)
• Registration and recall
• Attention and calculation
• Language and visuospatial skills
• Score range: 0–30
• Takes 5–10 minutes to complete
19
Confusion Assessment Method
• Used to identify delirium, especially in hospitalized
elderly patients.
[Link] onset and fluctuating course
[Link]
[Link] thinking
[Link] level of consciousness
• Delirium is diagnosed when 1 + 2 + (3 or 4) are
present.
20
Management Strategies
Pharmacological Interventions
Non-Pharmacological Interventions
Psychosocial Support
21
Pharmacological Interventions
• Antidepressants: Used to manage depression and
anxiety (e.g., SSRIs like sertraline, citalopram).
• Antipsychotics: Used in severe behavioral
symptoms (e.g., risperidone, quetiapine), with
caution due to side effects.
• Cholinesterase Inhibitors: Used in dementia to
improve memory and function (e.g., donepezil,
rivastigmine).
• Dose adjustment and close monitoring are crucial
due to altered drug metabolism in elderly.
22
Non-Pharmacological
Interventions
• First-line or complementary strategies alongside
medication.
• Promote functional ability, reduce distress, and
improve quality of life.
• Includes therapies like CBT, occupational,
reminiscence, and sensory stimulation.
• Especially valuable in dementia and mild
depression where meds may not be suitable.
23
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Evidence-based psychotherapy for depression,
anxiety, and insomnia.
• Helps identify and change negative thoughts and
behaviors.
• Structured, time-limited, and adaptable for older
adults.
• Increases coping strategies and improves
emotional regulation.
24
Occupational Therapy
• Focuses on maintaining independence in
daily activities.
• Promotes engagement in meaningful tasks
(e.g., dressing, hobbies).
• Reduces agitation and boosts self-worth.
• Especially effective in dementia and
depression management.
25
Reminiscence Therapy
• Encourages recall of past events using
photos, music, and storytelling.
• Improves mood, social interaction, and
cognitive stimulation.
• Useful for individuals with dementia or
depression.
• Enhances self-identity and emotional
connection.
26
Psychosocial Support
• Involves emotional and social assistance
from family, peers, and professionals.
• Activities include family counseling,
support groups, and recreational programs.
• Reduces isolation, anxiety, and caregiver
burden.
• Enhances recovery, emotional well-being,
and community reintegration.
27
Nursing Care Approaches
• Holistic Care
Addressing physical, emotional, social, and
spiritual needs.
• Communication Techniques
Use of clear, slow speech; non-verbal cues; active
listening.
• Promoting Independence and Dignity
Respect preferences, encourage self-care, empower
decision-making.
• Managing Behavioral Challenges 28
De-escalation techniques, redirection, structured
routine.
Preventive Strategies
• Health Promotion Activities
Exercise, diet, sleep hygiene, cognitive
stimulation.
• Early Detection and Intervention
Regular screenings, awareness among
caregivers and community.
• Combating Stigma and Isolation
Education, peer support, inclusion programs
29
30
31