Before starting my private practice, I worked at the Veteran’s Affairs hospital for nearly a decade, and in the course of that work, I learned a great deal about treating PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) in older adults. We tend to associate PTSD with veterans or survivors of recent accidents. However, the reality is that many older adults carry the weight of past traumas, silently battling symptoms that can significantly impact their lives for many years.
Potential Long-Term Impacts of Untreated Trauma:
Traumatic events, by definition, are deeply disturbing and disruptive. They shatter our sense of security and leave a lasting impact on our psychological well-being. These events can happen at any age, and older adults may have a lifetime of experiences that could contribute to PTSD. Here are some common examples:
Combat trauma: Veterans and survivors of historical conflicts, like the Vietnam War or World War II, may carry the emotional scars of combat for decades.
Childhood abuse: Sadly, childhood abuse is a far too common occurrence. For older adults, the trauma of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse in their youth can resurface later in life, particularly during periods of transition like retirement or the loss of a spouse.
Serious accidents: Accidents can leave not only physical scars but also deep emotional ones. Witnessing the sudden death of a loved one in a car crash or experiencing a life-threatening medical event can trigger PTSD symptoms.
Witnessing violence: Exposure to violence, whether as a bystander in a crime or during a period of social unrest, can be deeply traumatizing. Older adults who lived through tumultuous historical periods like the civil rights movement or periods of political violence might be affected.
PTSD in Later Life:
The presentation of PTSD in older adults can differ from the classic symptoms often seen in younger populations. This can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, leaving individuals struggling without proper support. Here's what to watch for:
Physical symptoms: Older adults with PTSD may experience a variety of physical complaints that seem unrelated to any medical condition. These can include fatigue, sleep problems, headaches, and stomachaches.
Emotional changes: Irritability, anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation are common signs of PTSD in older adults. They may withdraw from social activities, become easily frustrated, or lose interest in things they once enjoyed.
Flashbacks or nightmares: Reliving the traumatic event through intrusive memories or vivid nightmares is another key symptom of PTSD. These can be particularly distressing for older adults, especially if they are triggered by seemingly innocuous things. In my experience, people with PTSD for many years may not have nightmares for quite some time, then have nightmares resurge after a time of significant stress, such as retirement or health changes.
Avoidance behaviors: Avoidance is a way that many people with PTSD cope with trauma. Older adults with PTSD may avoid places, people, or situations that remind them of the trauma. Avoidance can occur for decades and really limit people’s lives. This can significantly limit their daily activities and social interactions.
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions: The underlying stress of PTSD can affect cognitive function, making it difficult for older adults to focus, remember things, or make sound decisions. These symptoms can be mistaken for cognitive problems in older adults, but may be reversible with treatment.
Why Recognition Matters:
Identification and intervention are crucial for managing PTSD in older adults. Here's why:
Improved Quality of Life: Effective treatment of PTSD can significantly reduce symptoms like nightmares, hypervigilance, avoidance, anxiety, mood problems, and sleep problems. This can lead to a significant improvement in an older adult's overall well-being and quality of life.
Reduced Risk of Other Conditions: Our minds and bodies are connected -- untreated PTSD can exacerbate existing medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and chronic pain. Additionally, the social isolation and emotional distress associated with PTSD can increase the risk of substance abuse disorders.
Strengthens Coping Mechanisms: Therapy equips older adults with tools to manage stress, regulate emotions, and cope with difficult memories. These valuable skills can help them navigate challenges and build resilience.
Seeking Help:
If you suspect an older adult you know might be struggling with PTSD, here are some resources:
Seek a therapist specializing in geriatric mental health: Geropsychologists like myself have specific training and experience working with older adults and understand the unique challenges they face, including the presentation of PTSD in this population.
Consider support groups for older adults with PTSD: Connecting with others who share similar experiences can be a source of strength and validation for older adults with PTSD. Support groups can also provide valuable information and coping strategies.
Consultation with a psychiatrist: There are geropsychiatrists who specialize in managing mental health conditions in older adults with medications. This can be very helpful in PTSD, and finding a psychiatrist with a specialty working with older adults ensures the safest and most tailored medication management. This is a great supplement to therapy for PTSD.
Start Working With a Therapist for Older Adults in LA
Remember, you're not alone. Many older adults experience PTSD, and effective treatments are available. With support and understanding, they can find healing, reclaim a sense of control, and live a fulfilling life. Dr. Reger can offer support and guidance from her Los Angeles, CA-based practice. Start the therapy process by following these simple steps:
Contact (424) 262-1925 to schedule your appointment
Meet with a Los Angeles Psychologist for an evaluation
Start addressing past pain!
Other Services Offered by Dr. Reger in Los Angeles, CA
Counseling for older adults isn’t the only service offered. In addition, I’m happy to offer support with a variety of assessments and testing. Other services offered include capacity assessments, neuropsychological and psychological assessments, and cognitive and dementia testing. Other services offered include pre-surgical assessments, and med-legal evaluations. In addition to evaluations, I also provide individual therapy, and mental health consultations and presentations. Visit my blog for more helpful support today!