Old people need love and a lot of reassurance from their children. Offer them love, care and attention to avoid them from falling victim to anxiety disorder. Get him or her talking. Silence must be broken to be able to get into the mind of the aging parent. Give them confidence that anxiety disorder is treatable. Recommend them to a doctor they know and is comfortable with. This will make subsequent visits easier and chances of going through with a treatment more positive.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders are countless. Anxiety disorder sufferers are given choices of opting for treatment using therapy, the usage of medication, alternative natural treatment and self-help guides. There is no one definite and specific treatment for anxiety disorder as many overlaps each other in symptoms. Tailoring treatment to symptoms can consist one or combination of available techniques widely used for anxiety disorder sufferers. It should start with proper diagnosis by a medical practitioner. He or she can then recommend which treatment is most suitable and safe.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most common treatment used to control anxiety in older adults. CBT has no side effects and as such is the most popular and widely used treatment for anxiety in older adults. It is a long-term solution but poses no threats to any other existing medical conditions older adults have at the time of treatment.
Treatment for phobia in older adults (also in children and younger adults alike) is usually done with Gestalt Therapy. It helps anxiety sufferers face their fears head on. By putting the person in the situation they fear most, he or she is facing the fear and in time will overcome that fear.
Medication
Usage of medication to treat anxiety disorder is very tricky when the older adult is on other forms of medication. These medications can be conflicting with the new ones that is being prescribed. It is best for older adults having anxiety disorder to be under the care of the same physician who is treating their other conditions so drug complications can be avoided.
Drugs such as Serotonin-Specific Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) is proven to lessen anxiety disorders in children and adults alike. Due to its side effects, you might want to proceed with caution. Consult necessary medical personnel who are familiar with all possible side effects of taking this medication.
Conditions such as depression, insomnia, personality disorder and other anxiety disorders are most commonly treated by a series of drugs called the Serotonin-specific Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRIs). It has been proven effective in treating panic disorders but not without side effects. In older adults it can result to over-sedation and could lead to further complications.