Depresión clínica

Elderly Depression and Panic Attacks: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Conundrums

Abstract

Herman Whitman

As the global population continues to age, understanding and addressing mental health issues among the elderly population has become an imperative concern. Among the various mental health challenges faced by older adults, two significant ones are elderly depression and panic attacks. These conditions present diagnostic and therapeutic complexities due to overlapping symptoms, physiological changes, and the need for specialized care. This essay delves into the diagnostic challenges, therapeutic interventions, and the conundrums surrounding elderly depression and panic attacks. Distinguishing between elderly depression and panic attacks is often intricate due to overlapping symptoms. Both conditions can manifest with somatic complaints, such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and changes in appetite. The shared symptoms can lead to misdiagnosis, delayed intervention, or the misattribution of one condition to another.