Thursday, April 9, 2009

How to recognize the symptoms of anxiety in the elderly

Anxiety is so common in the elderly as in younger adults. Although issues such as declining physical health, cognitive impairment and loss of loved ones provoke anxiety disorders in older people, research shows that many who suffer from an anxiety disorder in late life also experienced anxiety when were younger. Although many older people suffer from generalized anxiety disorder, often ignore the symptoms, but that focus on physical complaints. Due to the identification of anxiety in the elderly population can be difficult, concerned family members should learn to read the signs to look for their aging parents .

Note whether any new development on apathy or loss of interest in the activities of their parents once enjoyed. Fear, accompanied by loss of confidence, are often caused by a fall or any other debilitating medical condition .

Note if your father is often restless or irritable .

Heed their parents to avoid social situations. A change in daily routines or habits, secluding oneself or in the home may signal a problem .

Consider any excess concerns of the parents could voice, especially if they appear to occur more frequently or are out of proportion with reality. Ask your father if they have trouble sleeping or if other physical symptoms like chest pains, palpitations or shortness of breath. Ask if any of these symptoms are especially severe when one thinks about situations. Typically, these symptoms can not be explained by a physical problem. However, you should be concerned about any symptom that persists for two weeks.

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