Myths on Mental Health Issues in Older Adults

Marsha Obremski, MPA

Executive Director

The Pavilion at Williamsburg

DISCLAMIER

All views or opinions presented are

solely mine and do not represent

those of Diamond Healthcare

Myth: Most inpatient psychiatric admissions come from LTC facilities.

Fact:A higher percentage of admissions are

coming from home.

2007 201038% 51%

Myth: Memory Impairment and Depression are related.

Fact:They can be related, but studies are

inconclusive. Depression does not always affect memory, but memory impairment may

cause depression.

There are multiple contributing factors such as poly-pharmacy and unresolved grief.

Myth:Older adults are at a higher risk for suicide.

Fact:Young adults ages 40-59 have the

highest rates of depression and suicidal attempts, but males 85 and older have

the highest rate of completion.

Myth:The Psychiatric diagnosis drives the treatment plan.

Fact:• The diagnosis is a billing tool.

• Quality treatment plans take into consideration social issues, medication issues, personality issues, behavioral issues, medical problems and resources.

Myth:Psychotropic medications have increased the risk of falls inLong Term Care facilities.

Fact:Multiple issues have to be evaluated as contributors to patient falls.

June issues of the Journal of the American Geriatric Society and The Annals of Long-Term Care noted that studies are inconclusive. ALL medications must be reviewed on a regular basis.

Myth:All things resolve in time…Time heals all wounds(physical and emotional).

Fact:

Misdiagnosis of residual trauma plagues older adults.

Case Study82 year-old female is having difficulty adjusting toliving at a personal care home:• Sleep disturbance• Appetite disturbance• Crying spells• Isolating• Begging family to please let her go home• Irritability and anger

Diagnosis: Depression or Adjustment Disorder with DepressedMood

Residual TraumaSexually abused as a child and never told anyoneduring her 82 years.• Fear of the dark – her children said she always slept with

the lights on. Her roommate did not want the lights on.• Staff coming in her room at night re-traumatized her• She began having nightmares about the trauma• She couldn’t connect the dots of what was going on

because she thought she was “over it”

Without therapy, this woman would have continued to suffer. It is likely her symptoms would have been treated via poly-pharmacy.

Myth: Mental health issues arejust part of normal aging process. “You are just getting old”

Fact:Despite the development of thespecialty of Geriatric Psychiatry,

older Americans continue to be theunrecognized group with increasing rates

of untreated mental health disorders,alcoholism and prescription drug abuse.

Myth:Medication alone is the best treatment for older adults. Besidesthey are too set in their ways to benefit from counseling.

Fact:Medication and group

psychotherapy has the best results. We need to continue to work on

“buy in”from the medical community and those

who work with older adults.

Myth:Outreach and education has decreased the stigmaassociated with mental health Treatment.

Fact:• Only 39% of people who suffer from a mental health disorder get treatment from a mental health professional.

• 74% of people seek treatment from their primary care physician.

• 50% are misdiagnosed.

• 80% are given too little medication for too short of time or multiple meds over a prolonged period of time.

The Pavilion at Williamsburg PlaceOPENING JANUARY 2012

• Older Adult Program

• Acute Adult Program

• Psychiatrically Impaired Professionals

• Military Personnel and Dependents