“Is anxiety disorder normal with aging?”
My dad is 76 years old and is now suffering with anxiety disorder. Even though clinically he is doing fine he feels very perturbed about doing even the mundane activities. He gets panicked easily and worries a lot. Is this normal with aging or is something wrong with him?
10 Answers
Comorbidity is common, i.e. anxiety disorder and panic attacks / panic disorders are often intertwined for manifestations. I suggest that your father seeks professional help for his problematic issues.
It is not necessarily a condition as you get older but it is also not uncommon. Have him see a therapist trained in how to deal with anxiety issues.
Anxiety is a common disorder among the geriatric population. I'm unsure what you meant by "clinically he is doing fine" but I would encourage you to explore the root of his anxiety. For example, anxiety could be related to uncertainty about a medical condition or his mortality. Also, irritation can be a sign of depression, which is another common mental illness among the geriatric population. While these conditions are common, they do benefit from intervention from a medical and/or mental health professional.
It is very common for people to become more anxious as they get older. Personal safety and security become prime motivators in life; new and increasing ailments remind a person that they are vulnerable. Older people typically become more cautious and risk-averse with age. That said, it should not get in the way of performing normal activities nor should it occupy as much worry and concern as you describe. While not necessarily abnormal, anti-anxiety medication could be helpful to take the edge off and has little if any side effects. Check with the doctor to evaluate its appropriateness.
Yes in many cases. It is more prevalent in seniors dealing with dementia. Does he live alone in his home? If he has lost a spouse recently that can escalate the anxiety.
Normal aging does not automatically include getting an anxiety disorder. It sounds like your father may be experiencing an adjustment disorder in response to aging.
He is lucky to have such a concerned daughter! That is a good question, which I can answer: no, anxiety is not normal at any age. It is in fact a disorder. It is miserable to live with generalized anxiety, because, from your description, it isn’t the kind of anxiety that is helpful – being anxious about and exam, for example, might be helpful if it led the student to study longer and party less. Perhaps you could offer to go with him for a consultation. Preferably, consultant should be aware of the effects of medications on older people, as they are often different from the side effects for younger ones. And there are other treatments for anxiety - talk therapy of various kinds, meditation, group therapy, etc. So preferably the consultant should have a wide experience level.
Peace,
Marian
Peace,
Marian
We diagnose based on if symptoms are interfering with life (job, relationships, mental functioning). Since it sounds like your father is struggling and it is interfering with his life, then it would be considered a problem and worth seeking assistance.
*Teresa Y. Chapa-Cantu, Ph.D.*
*Teresa Y. Chapa-Cantu, Ph.D.*
Some go through this and it all depends on the individual. He is getting scared of getting old and dying. We all have to go through this. Tell him you love him and try to do things with him and the family, even if it is watching a movie or show with him.
Brandi M. Buchanan
Psychologist
Increased anxiety affecting social functioning or cognition is something that should always be looked at. I am not saying you should be alarmed, but I would ask to visit his general practitioner with him to determine if there is any change in his medications or if his sleep has changed at all. Persons with sleep apnea or other breathing related problems can begin to
present with symptoms of anxiety. If none of the above are contributing factors, I would say visiting a neuropsychologist would help determine if there are mental health or cognitive changes contributing to his anxiety presentation.
Brandi Buchanan, PhD
present with symptoms of anxiety. If none of the above are contributing factors, I would say visiting a neuropsychologist would help determine if there are mental health or cognitive changes contributing to his anxiety presentation.
Brandi Buchanan, PhD
