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Depression as a Consequence of Elder Mistreatment: A Case Report
Jessica Marsigit1, Fira Tania Khasanah1, Leonard Nainggolan1
1Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine
|December 29, 2022
Summary
Elder mistreatment, including emotional abuse, can lead to significant health issues like depression and anxiety in older adults. This case highlights the underdiagnosed prevalence and severe consequences of elder abuse.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Oncology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Elder mistreatment is a significant global health issue, affecting 5-10% of the elderly population worldwide.
- Mistreatment encompasses physical, emotional, sexual, financial abuse, and neglect, often leading to underdiagnosis.
Observation:
- A 61-year-old woman presented with chronic epigastric pain, hypertension, frailty, malnutrition, and cognitive impairment.
- She was diagnosed with colon adenocarcinoma and adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressive reaction.
Findings:
- The patient's adjustment disorder was directly attributed to emotional elder mistreatment by her daughters.
- Colon adenocarcinoma was a co-occurring diagnosis, highlighting the complex interplay of physical and psychological health in elder mistreatment cases.
Implications:
- This case underscores the critical need for recognizing and addressing emotional elder mistreatment as a cause of depression and anxiety in the elderly.
- Healthcare providers must be vigilant in screening for elder abuse and its multifaceted consequences, including social, economic, physical, and mental health impacts.
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