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Alcohol related problems in elderly people--a prospective study
B Farragher1, M Wrigley, R Veluri
1Department of Psychiatry of Old Age, James Connolly Memorial hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin.
Irish Medical Journal
|November 1, 1994
Summary
Elderly individuals often hide alcohol abuse, making diagnosis challenging. This study found loneliness and late-onset drinking are significant factors in older adults with alcohol-related problems.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Psychiatry
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Alcohol-related problems in the elderly are frequently underdiagnosed due to denial and non-specific symptoms.
- Older adults present unique challenges in identifying alcohol abuse and dependence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine factors associated with alcohol abuse in elderly individuals referred to a psychiatry of old age service.
- To identify the prevalence and characteristics of alcohol-related problems in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A six-month prospective study of 150 elderly patients referred to a specialized psychiatric service.
- Patients were screened for alcohol-related psychiatric, physical, and social issues.
- Data collected included denial of alcohol abuse history, gender, onset of drinking, and contributing factors like loneliness.
Main Results:
- 15% (23 out of 150) of referred patients had alcohol-related problems.
- Over half (52%) of these patients denied a history of alcohol abuse or dependence.
- Loneliness was a significant factor in 43% of cases, and a majority were female, with many being late-onset drinkers.
Conclusions:
- Elderly individuals are vulnerable to the detrimental effects of alcohol.
- Alcohol abuse in the elderly often presents with denial and requires specialized screening and intervention.
- A substantial number of patients required psychiatric follow-up due to alcohol-related issues.