mercredi 9 janvier 2013

Mental Health Care For The Retirement Generation

By Allyson Hellwig


Due to the increased population of aging people in the Sunshine State, the need for mental health professionals in Florida is great. Older people often suffer changes in brain process and acuity, and as such they require special care. Psychiatrists and psychologists who specialize in this type of care are in great demand.

Not only can strokes create the need for psychiatric counseling, but depression after the loss of a life partner often creates a need for this type of care as well. Finding counselors who are well-versed in geriatric care is important. Older people have special needs.

While it is very common for psychiatrists to prescribe medication to their patients, this solution is not always acceptable for an older person. There is no pharmaceutical solution for the feelings of loss and isolation which often plague the elderly. Prescribing medication is something which should be approached with caution.

Not only that, but there are inherent dangers in prescribing new pharmaceuticals to a patient who is already on a serious drug regimen. Interactions of drugs can create new and worse problems in these patients, and their psychiatrist should be familiar with this possibility. In addition, sometimes older people have difficulty maintaining their regimen, and this can result in problems with acuity and function.

Sometimes an older person really just needs someone to talk to, and their psychiatrist or psychologist needs to be cognizant of this fact. Their patient may simply need to engage in more social activities. On the other hand, they may be experiencing symptoms of dementia, and their psychiatrist should be able to identify the trademark signs.

Sudden signs of dementia can be caused by the presence of a stroke or aneurysm, and it is vital that the professional identify this right away. The patient will not know what is happening, and early detection is key to preventing a more serious brain injury. By treating a stroke or an aneurysm immediately, further damage can be prevented.

These mental health professionals in Florida may be the first lifeline an elderly person has in recognizing the approach of a condition such as Alzheimer's disease. Early treatment of brain dysfunction can help these elderly patients to be more happy and fulfilled as they approach their old age. As such, this is an excellent opportunity for young doctors to pursue.




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