Geriatric Mental Health Clinic in Utah

At Gold Counseling, we recognize the complexity and often overlooked nature of mental health issues in older adults. Despite the commonality and significant impact on quality of life, these issues frequently go undiagnosed, leading to a decline in physical health and daily functioning.
 
Our team of professional counselors is skilled in identifying and managing the prevalent mental health conditions in older adults, such as depression. We understand that with age, the risk of depression increases due to serious illnesses and limitations in functioning. However, it is not a normal part of aging and should be addressed promptly.

Seniors also frequently suffer from anxiety disorders, which include panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, particular phobias, and generalized anxiety disorder. We offer counseling services tailored to help manage these conditions and the distress they cause. Our team is experienced in understanding the unique triggers for anxiety in older adults, such as retirement, medical problems, or the loss of loved ones.

We are prepared to identify and address conditions such as bipolar disorder and psychotic disorders in older adults, understanding that their symptoms may manifest differently compared to younger individuals. Our team is also equipped to handle cases of substance use disorders, particularly those related to alcohol and prescription medications.

Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia and restless legs syndrome, which often exacerbate symptoms of other mental health issues, are also within our purview. We understand the impact of these disturbances on mood, energy levels, and cognitive functioning, and offer solutions to manage these issues.

At Gold Counseling, we understand the significant impact that aging has on an individual’s mental health. Biological, neurological, and lifestyle changes that occur as one age can increase the risk of mental health disorders.

A major factor that we consider is the physiological changes in the brain that occur with age. As we grow older, our brain’s volume gradually decreases, and the speed at which our brain processes information slows down. This may result in memory loss, diminished mental acuity, and challenges with problem-solving and decision-making. These cognitive changes can sometimes progress to more severe cognitive impairments, such as dementia.

We also address the changes in emotional regulation that occur with age. Older adults tend to experience a reduced intensity of emotions and a decrease in emotional reactivity, leading to increased emotional stability and resilience. However, this can also contribute to a sense of emotional detachment or apathy. Aging increases the risk of developing certain mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders, and dementia.

At Gold Counseling, we understand that depression, a widespread but treatable mood disorder, can affect individuals of all ages, including older adults. Recognizing the signs of depression in this population is crucial for early detection and appropriate intervention. Depression in older adults may not always manifest traditionally and can be mistaken for a natural response to aging or illness.
 
Cognitive and Behavioral Indicators in Older Adults:

We encourage vigilance for cognitive and behavioral changes, such as:

● Memory problems, difficulty concentrating, or impaired decision-making, should not be confused with cognitive decline due to conditions like dementia
● Withdrawn behavior, including loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities and social interactions
● Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
● Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

Emotional Symptoms in Older Adults:

Our team is trained to recognize emotional symptoms including:

● Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
● A pessimistic outlook, often accompanied by feelings of isolation or loneliness
● Repeated death-related thoughts or suicidal ideas that need to be treated right away

We emphasize that these symptoms do not always denote depression. However, if multiple symptoms persist or interfere with daily life, further evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary.

At Gold Counseling, we understand that anxiety disorders are not exclusive to younger individuals. Anxiety can present differently in the elderly due to age-related physiological changes, cognitive shifts, and unique life circumstances. Aging doesn’t necessarily lead to anxiety, but it can introduce health changes that might increase the risk or alter the experience of anxiety.
 
We recognize that anxiety in the elderly can often coexist with other mental health disorders like depression, or physical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or chronic pain. This may make diagnosis and therapy more difficult. However, our team is dedicated to ensuring that anxiety in this population does not go unrecognized and untreated.

We also understand that some types of anxiety disorders might be less common in older adults, while others could be more common. For instance, social anxiety disorder and panic disorder might decrease with age, while generalized anxiety disorder and specific phobias might increase.

Our treatment approach for anxiety disorders in the elderly aims to consider these unique challenges. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, can be effective for this population. We may also prescribe medication to manage anxiety symptoms, but we carefully monitor and adjust dosages due to older adults’ sensitivity to medication side effects.

In conclusion, at Gold Counseling, we strive to recognize these differences in the manifestation of anxiety disorders in the elderly for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning. By tailoring interventions to the specific needs of older adults, we strive to help them effectively manage anxiety and improve their quality of life. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Riverdale UT, Washington Terrace UT, Clinton UT, Kaysville UT, Clearfield UT, Farmington UT, Draper UT, Riverton UT, Sandy UT, St. George UT, Bloomington UT, Santa Clara, UT, and surrounding areas.