Century Park Blog

PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) is one of the most common mental health conditions, and it can be especially difficult for older adults. If the disorder goes untreated, it can cause serious emotional and psychological challenges and affect everyday functioning. It’s important to be aware of the causes, signs, and treatment options for PTSD in older adults so that you can support your aging loved one during times of hardship.

What Is PTSD?

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a psychiatric condition that people may experience after going through or witnessing a traumatic event. Examples of experiences that can lead to PTSD include a natural disaster, war, a serious accident, or an assault.

PTSD in Older Adults

The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs reports that the role changes associated with aging may make coping with earlier trauma more difficult. Even if an individual had never previously showed signs of PTSD, they may start to struggle with their trauma as they age and face retirement, physical health problems, and functional and cognitive decline.

Signs of PTSD in Seniors

Signs and symptoms of PTSD in older adults can vary from individual to individual. Here are some of the most common symptoms:

• Flashbacks, nightmares, or vivid memories of the traumatic event
• Avoiding places or events that are reminders of the traumatic experience
• Avoiding thoughts or feelings about the traumatic event
• Feeling tense or on guard all the time
• Being easily startled
• Feelings of guilt or blame about the traumatic experience
• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
• Reckless or aggressive behavior

PTSD Treatment

PTSD in older adults can easily be overlooked because family members may think the symptoms are caused by aging, cognitive decline, or social isolation. The first step toward treating any mental health condition is recognizing that something is wrong, so it’s important to look out for signs of PTSD in your aging family members or friends.

The Department of Veteran Affairs highlights some of the unique challenges of assessment and treatment for PTSD in elderly individuals. Older adults are more likely to focus on physical symptoms like pain, sleeping problems, or gastrointestinal issues and less likely to focus on the emotional difficulties of PTSD. They also are more likely to seek out help from a primary care doctor than from a mental health clinic. Although mental health issues like anxiety and PTSD have become more understood and accepted in recent years, some older adults struggle with feelings of shame about their trauma and its emotional effects.

Therapy is the most commonly recommended PTSD treatment by organizations like the VA and the American Psychological Association.

Therapy may be a different experience for older adults than it is for young or middle-aged adults. It may be difficult for seniors to talk about their experiences and emotions, and older adults who are in cognitive decline may have trouble with memory and concentration during therapy sessions. This doesn’t mean that therapy for seniors with PTSD is ineffective though. Therapists who specialize in working with the elderly know how to address their unique challenges and how to offer support and encouragement.

Good mental health is just as important for seniors as it is for younger adults. Therapy for PTSD in older adults can be a great way for seniors to process and manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to trauma.