What are the symptoms of psychological disorders in the elderly?
Nov 21, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Introduction
The main symptoms of mental health disorders in older adults include abnormal mood fluctuations, cognitive decline, reduced social motivation, changes in behavior, and frequent physical discomfort. These symptoms are often easily confused with normal signs of aging and require careful differentiation. If symptoms persist for more than one month, interfere with daily functioning, or are accompanied by thoughts of self-harm, prompt medical evaluation is recommended.
Common symptoms of mental health disorders in the elderly include significant mood fluctuations, cognitive decline, reduced social motivation, changes in behavior, and frequent physical discomfort. These symptoms are often mistaken for normal signs of aging and require careful differentiation. If symptoms persist for more than one month, interfere with daily functioning, or are accompanied by thoughts of self-harm, prompt medical evaluation is recommended.
1. Abnormal mood fluctuations:表现为 persistent low mood, irritability, anxiety, or emotional apathy. Individuals may lose interest in previously enjoyable activities, become easily angered over minor issues, or fall into prolonged silence, with difficulty regulating emotions independently.
2. Cognitive decline: Characterized by明显 memory loss, slowed thinking, and poor concentration. Common signs include forgetting important appointments or tasks, disorganized speech, and in some cases, impaired orientation, such as confusion about time or place.
3. Reduced social motivation: The individual may actively avoid interactions with family and friends, refuse to participate in social events, stay isolated at home, and resist communication. They may even react negatively to family members' concern, leading to a progressively shrinking social circle.
4. Changes in behavior: May include repetitive actions such as constantly rearranging items, talking to oneself, reversed sleep-wake cycles, impulsive behaviors, or stubborn insistence on personal views. Sudden and persistent changes in daily habits that are difficult to correct may also occur.
5. Frequent physical discomfort: Persistent symptoms such as headache, dizziness, insomnia, decreased appetite, and fatigue without identifiable organic disease. These symptoms show little improvement with physical treatments and are closely linked to psychological state.
Encourage regular companionship and involvement in moderate social and recreational activities. Listen patiently to the elder's concerns and avoid neglect or blame. Maintain regular sleep patterns and a balanced diet, and promote appropriate physical activity. Pay attention to emotional changes, offer emotional support and understanding, and help reduce psychological stress.
