Disorders Continued
Delirium
An onset of delirium
can be dramatic and frightening to the family. There is a sudden
change. A person can be just fine one day and "off the wall" the next.
Delirium can result from illness (e.g. a urinary tract infection) or
medications and often is reversible.
Adjustment Disorder
Some people
are able to adapt to change relatively easily; others find it more
difficult. Some life changes are relatively routine, others can be
devastating. Adjusting to a new living situation, living alone, getting
about without a car. dealing with a diagnosis of a serious illness are
some examples of situations where a person may need extra encouragement
and support. Symptoms of anxiety or depression and even certain
behavior changes can suggest an adjustment reaction to a major life
change.
Anxiety
As changes and/or losses
occur, some people will become anxious; some depressed; some a little
of both. Some symptoms that may appear are agitation, apprehensiveness,
somatic complaints, a feeling that something bad is going to happen. If
these symptoms persist and interfere with daily activities, the
individual may be suffering from a panic disorder, characterized by
disabling panic attacks. The American Psychological Association has an
information page on panic disorders.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse
refers to the inappropriate use of chemical substances including
alcohol, illegal drugs and prescription medications. A person may have
a history of abuse that continues into later life, or the abuse may
occur as a result of more current circumstances. Among an older
population, inadvertent misuse of medications or combinations of
medications is a common factor in substance abuse. It is helpful to
remember that with aging metabolic rates change and medication dosages
need to be adjusted to account for this. A dosage that worked fine 10
years ago may not be appropriate today. A regime of multiple
medications, combined with over the counter remedies, can be confusing
and may also lead to inappropriate self-medication.
It is also worth noting that the incidence of alcohol abuse rises significantly among widowers over the age of 75.
