Call us: (714) 683-1472
e-mail: info@orangecoastpsychiatry.com

Psychosis In Elderly People: Causes, Signs, And Treatment

Psychosis In Elderly People: Causes, Signs, And Treatment

Blog Outline

Psychosis in elderly people is a severe mental health condition that can occur as hallucinations, delusions, and sometimes even severe confusion. It is usually rooted in underlying issues such as dementia, depression, or the other side effects of psychiatric medications. Additionally, early detection and accurate mental health treatment are essential in improving the quality of life of the suffering people. Comprehensive psychiatric care, such as mental health treatment and supportive therapy, reduces the signs of psychosis.

This blog is a perfect source of information to understand the signs, causes, and treatment of psychosis in elderly people.

What Is Psychosis?

Psychosis is a mental health illness that severely affects the perception of the affected individuals. When it occurs, it is known as a psychotic episode. Additionally, it can have a negative effect on your cognitive potential.

What Are The Signs Of Psychosis In Elderly People?

The most common signs of psychosis include:

  1. Hallucinations
  2. Delusions
  3. Distorted Thinking
  4. Social Withdrawl
  5. Changes in sleeping patterns
  6. Low Motivation
  7. Extreme Anxiety
  8. Unusual behavior

Read More: Trauma Brain Vs Normal Brain: How Trauma Affects The Way We Live

What Is The Prevalence Of Psychosis In Elderly People?

Psychosis in elderly people is quite common and different. Several recent researches have estimated that about 10 percent to 25 percent of elderly people will exhibit psychotic symptoms at some point. Such symptoms are even more widespread among patients with such diseases as dementia. In this case, the proportion makes up 40-60%. Elderly psychosis is not as quickly reported or diagnosed, hence making it difficult to pin down the actual figures of the illness.

What Are The Causes Of Psychosis In Adults?

Several recent researches show that elderly people are at a higher risk of developing signs of psychosis, including the signs of mood disorders, delirium, substance abuse, and several related conditions. There can be a lot of reasons. The most common causes of psychosis in elderly are discussed below.

For many people, a wide array of pre-existing conditions can increase the risk of developing a psychotic disorder. Moreover, medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, or Huntington’s can also be one of the leading reasons for triggering the onset of psychotic symptoms. Not only this, many common health problems like lack of sleep and deficiency of vitamin B12 can also lead to the onset.

There can be another possibility in the development of the signs of psychosis is drug-induced psychosis, which happens due to the interaction of several medicines. In reality, many drugs are linked with psychosis in elderly people—the most common ones are anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and antihistamines.

What Is Acute Psychosis In Elderly People?

Acute psychosis distinguishes itself as an urgent emergency requiring medical intervention, as acute psychotic disturbance poses a significant risk to the elderly and their physical and mental health. The condition may be symptomatic of a significant undiagnosed physical condition in the patient’s body. They can also be symptoms or complications of a primary diagnosis and should be promptly diagnosed and treated.

What Are The Postoperative Psychosis Elderly Concerns?

Post-operative delirium is also a widespread complication for aged adults who have just undergone surgery. Additionally, postoperative elderly patients can experience signs of psychosis within the weeks after surgery, usually within hours. If untreated, the experiences can be pretty dangerous for elderly people, leading to both health issues and more risk of being hospitalized.

As there is no medication for treating postoperative psychosis, prevention is essential. Luckily, postoperative delirium can be prevented or even managed to some extent. A few simple steps can help avoid postoperative delirium, such as walking or jogging, staying hydrated and resting, ensuring the availability of hearing aids and glasses, and most importantly, taking necessary steps after the surgery to avoid infection.

What Does Psychosis In Elderly Dementia Patients Look Like?

The most common signs of psychosis in older adults include agitation, hallucinations, slurred speech, mood swings, uncooperative behavior, and many other signs that are similar to dementia and often mistaken for dementia. Furthermore, dementia psychosis elderly patients are at a greater risk of experiencing overlooked delirium. This is why it is always advisable to monitor unusual experiences regularly. Additionally, it can aid physicians in better understanding the changes in behavior and how fast they occur.

Read More: Understanding the Stages of Psychosis

What Are The Best Treatment Options For Psychosis In Elderly People?

Psychosis in elderly people can be treated with various treatment methods. The most commonly used ones are as follows:

Antipsychotic Medications:

These medications are specially made to help reduce the signs of hallucinations and delusions. However, elderly patients require special care and consideration in terms of psychiatric drugs as they are sensitive and can experience adverse reactions.

Psychotherapy:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is most effective in helping people understand and manage their negative thinking patterns and associated particular behaviors. Additionally, the primary focus of such a therapy is to help the patients change their negative thought patterns into positive ones.

Addressing Underlying Conditions:

It is common in elderly patients to suffer from many underlying mental health conditions such as dementia, depression, or other medical issues. Additionally, treating these conditions is vital to prevent worsening of psychotic signs. A comprehensive approach is adopted to address all the contributing factors.

Non-Pharmacological Approaches:

Providing patients with a calm and supportive environment holds a special place in overall mental health treatment. Moreover, a positive environment can reduce the signs of psychosis by lowering confusion and stress. Family involvement is another important factor in effective mental health treatment. It can provide the patient with emotional support, ultimately making them better.

Regular Monitoring:

Psychosis in elderly people requires continuous monitoring to make the required changes in treatment. Furthermore, regular assessments help mental health providers ensure that the treatment plan is working and safe for the patient.

Concluding Thoughts!

Symptoms of psychosis in elderly people are well-defined as a severe mental disorder that can be associated with conditions such as dementia, depression, or the effects of medication. Some of these manifestations are hallucinations, delusions, and extreme confusion. With the proper stabilization and thorough psychiatric care using antipsychotics, psychotherapy, as well as treatment for general diseases, the signs can be controlled. More importantly, Social support and follow-up are the other factors that enhance the quality of life of elderly patients with psychosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Latest Post

Top Facts About Gender Dysphoria You Should Know

Gender dysphoria is a kind of mental health disorder that is linked with several misconceptions. It is typically known as gender identity disorder, caused due to detachment in a person’s assigned birth gender and expressed gender, or in simpler terms the gender they are comfortable or have a sense of

Read More »

Jingle All The Way For A Better Christmas Mental Health

Christmas is often seen to be linked with happiness and joy due to the reason for celebration behind it. However, this joy can turn into distress and challenge real soon. There are several reasons that are responsible for the challenges of this season. Moreover, it is totally fine if you

Read More »

Richard Samedra.

PMHNP-BC

Richard Samedra, PMHNP-BC, is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He brings over 12 years of experience in the mental health field, working with clients facing a wide range of acute and chronic mental health conditions. His journey began as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Charge Nurse at Westminster Therapeutic Residential Treatment, where he supported clients dealing with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. Richard’s dedication was centered on helping these individuals improve their mental health and transition to a lower level of care, whether that meant returning to their families, a board and care facility, or a sober-living environment.

Motivated by a growing passion for mental health care, Richard pursued his Registered Nurse (RN) education at Saddleback Community College and later transitioned to La Palma Intercommunity Hospital Behavioral Health. In this role, he specialized in geriatric psychiatry, working with older adults experiencing conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety. This experience solidified his commitment to mental health, leading him to work at Bellflower Community Hospital, where he provided care for patients experiencing severe psychiatric crises, including suicidal ideation, manic and depressive episodes, substance use disorders, and exacerbated schizophrenia symptoms.

Inspired by the impactful work of PMHNPs at Bellflower, Richard enrolled in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Azusa Pacific University. To broaden his expertise, he worked full-time at College Hospital Costa Mesa while completing his studies. There, he gained comprehensive experience across various units, including adolescent, acute men’s and women’s, stabilization, and detox/med-surg. Now, as a PMHNP, Richard is committed to leveraging his diverse background and knowledge to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to those in need.

Richard currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where he is supervised by Dr. Montgomery.

 

Shaheena Gazipura

PMHNP-BC

Shaheena Gazipura is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 9 years of dedicated experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health care. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California.

Shaheena began her career working on an adult psychiatric inpatient unit before transitioning to the geriatric psychiatric inpatient unit at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. In addition to her clinical work, Shaheena also serves as a Nursing Clinical Instructor, guiding the next generation of nurses through their mental health rotations at a large community college.

Shaheena is a passionate advocate for mental health, believing that it is a fundamental pillar of overall well-being. She is committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and strives to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that honors each individual’s unique experiences and challenges. Her goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel empowered to work alongside her in achieving their mental health goals.

Outside of her professional life, Shaheena enjoys exploring new culinary experiences, staying active through exercise, and planning her next travel adventures.

Shaheena currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Clint Nacar

PMHNP-BC

Clint Nacar, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Mr. Nacar graduated from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Currently Mr. Nacar works in an inpatient psychiatry unit at a leading academic medical center in Los Angeles, Renewed Mental Health Group, and Orange Coast Psychiatry

Mr. Nacar brings over 7+ years of experience with the mental health population. He works to help patients take control of their mental health through patient education, psychotherapy and medication management. Mr. Nacar’s areas of focus include: Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorder, Bipolar disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mr. Nacar treats children ages 6+, adolescents, and adults, offering both in-person services and telehealth at Renewed Mental Health Group.

With the collaboration of each patient, Mr. Nacar strives to develop individualized plans of care addressing each patient’s unique situation and concerns. He also encourages each patient to take charge of their mental health through a holistic approach while also employing the latest evidence based practices in treatment.

Clint is one of our most experienced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is 103NP Licensed in the State of California.

Cristian Cuevas

PMHNP-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

Cristian Cuevas, PMHNP-BC, is a highly skilled board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over seven years of experience in inpatient psychiatry and mental health.

A California State University Long Beach graduate, Cristian also earned recognition as a board-certified psychiatric mental health registered nurse. With a wealth of expertise in adult psychiatric care across the lifespan, Cristian has successfully diagnosed and treated a diverse range of mental health disorders.

Additionally, his specialized experience in child and adolescent inpatient populations further enhances his ability to provide comprehensive and compassionate mental health care.

Cristian Cuevas is the Lead Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is supervised by Dr Barrios.

Griselda Hernandez

PMHNP-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

As a licensed Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a robust background in psychiatric and substance abuse nursing, Griselda provides compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges. The core of her practice focuses on promoting holistic wellness, fostering resilience, and empowering patients in their recovery journey. Specializing in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of adolescents with various mental health disorders, Griselda strives to create a therapeutic environment where patients feel valued, respected, and supported.
“My approach is grounded in years of diverse experience, including work in psychiatric units and medical detox units for both adults and adolescents. This extensive background has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to manage complex psychiatric and substance abuse conditions effectively. I am committed to staying updated with the latest advancements in psychiatric care, integrating cutting-edge therapies and best practices into my treatment plans. Collaboration is key to my practice; I work closely with multidisciplinary teams, families, and community resources to provide coordinated and comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s unique needs.”
Griselda holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatric-Mental Health from West Coast University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Additionally, she is fluent in the English and Spanish language, enhancing her ability to connect with a diverse patient population.
Griselda currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Dr Barrios

Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr. Carlos Barrios is a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with over two decades of experience in mental health care. His expertise in telepsychiatry has allowed him to serve patients across California and beyond. In his practice, Dr Barrios integrates metabolic and functional methodologies, focusing on guiding patients toward medication independence and emphasizing the connection between physical and mental health.
Outside of his professional life, Dr Barrios is passionate about kettlebell training, which helps him maintain my physical and mental wellness. He cherishes visiting his family in Guatemala, to reconnecting with his cultural roots and rejuvenating his spirit. Dr Barrios is also deeply involved in transcendental meditation and rucking, practices that not only provide him with tranquility but also keep him grounded and connected to nature. These hobbies reflect his commitment to a holistic approach to health, both personally and professionally.