Behavioral Changes in Aging Parents: Signs of Mental Health Issues

Consultation

Hello, doctor.
I would like to inquire about my father's situation.
He is nearly 60 years old, but recently his behavior has become increasingly erratic.
He often hides things from us, such as secretly keeping adult films, and his shopping habits have intensified, accumulating more and more items.
There are frequently unknown women calling our home looking for him, and he even sneaks out to public payphones to make calls.
Just yesterday, he went out driving and returned home very late for dinner, claiming that he had left the car keys inside the car.
After pressing him, he finally admitted that he had gone to gamble.
How could such a good person change like this? I am really worried about him.
Is this a mental illness? How should it be treated? Thank you!

HUEY, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/02/09

Dr. Chen Wenke reply Psychiatry

Hello Huey, your father's issues have existed for a while, but the family was unaware of them.
It's also possible that his behavior has changed, but it may not necessarily indicate a medical condition; there could be other factors diverting his attention.
Therefore, I suggest that a physician have a conversation with him for a further evaluation to determine if there are any mental health concerns.
Best wishes.

Reply Date: 2005/02/09

More Info

Your concerns about your father's recent behavioral changes are valid and warrant careful consideration. As individuals age, they may experience various mental health issues that can manifest in significant changes in behavior, mood, and cognitive function. The signs you've described, such as secretive behavior, increased shopping habits, inappropriate phone calls, and gambling, could indicate underlying mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, or even early signs of dementia.

Understanding Behavioral Changes
1. Cognitive Decline: As people age, they may experience cognitive decline, which can lead to confusion, forgetfulness, and impaired judgment. This decline can manifest in various ways, including forgetfulness about daily tasks, disorientation, and difficulty in making decisions. Your father's behavior of forgetting his car keys and claiming he left them in the car could be a sign of cognitive issues.

2. Mood Disorders: Depression and anxiety are common in older adults and can lead to changes in behavior. Symptoms may include withdrawal from social activities, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and increased irritability. The fact that your father is engaging in secretive behaviors and possibly seeking out inappropriate content may indicate an attempt to cope with underlying emotional distress.

3. Impulse Control Issues: Increased shopping and gambling can be signs of impulse control problems, which may arise from stress, depression, or other mental health issues. These behaviors can lead to financial problems and further exacerbate feelings of guilt or shame.

4. Social Isolation: If your father is feeling isolated or disconnected from family and friends, he may seek out interactions in unhealthy ways. The phone calls from unknown women could suggest a desire for connection or validation, which he may not be receiving from his immediate family.

Next Steps
1. Open Communication: It’s essential to approach your father with empathy and concern rather than judgment. Express your worries about his well-being and encourage him to share what he’s experiencing. Sometimes, simply knowing that someone cares can prompt an individual to open up about their struggles.

2. Seek Professional Help: Given the complexity of the symptoms you’ve described, it would be beneficial for your father to undergo a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional. A psychiatrist or psychologist can assess his mental state, provide a diagnosis, and recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes.

3. Family Support: Encourage family involvement in his care. Sometimes, family members can help monitor behaviors and provide support that can make a significant difference. Family therapy may also be beneficial to improve communication and address any underlying family dynamics that may be contributing to his behavior.

4. Monitor Changes: Keep a record of his behaviors, noting any patterns or triggers that may be contributing to his actions. This information can be valuable for healthcare providers in understanding his condition.

5. Educate Yourself: Understanding mental health issues and their impact on aging individuals can help you navigate this challenging situation. Resources from reputable organizations can provide insights into the signs of mental health issues in older adults.

Conclusion
Your father's behavioral changes could stem from a variety of mental health issues, and addressing them early is crucial for his well-being. By fostering open communication, seeking professional help, and providing family support, you can help him navigate this difficult time. Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Similar Q&A

Anxiety or Menopause: Understanding Behavioral Changes in Aging Women

Hello doctor, my mother is currently going through menopause. She previously visited a clinic for anxiety and insomnia and hasn't taken medication for a long time. She often has a furrowed brow, even while watching dramas. Over the past year, she frequently sighs and gasps. ...

Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear ttkk, it sounds like your mother is indeed experiencing some anxiety. Women going through menopause often face changes in their physiological state, which can contribute to anxiety. Additionally, at this age, they frequently confront issues related to the passage of youth an...

Understanding Repetitive Behaviors in Aging Parents: A Mental Health Perspective

In the past two to three years, I have noticed that my father exhibits certain fixed and repetitive behaviors that are time-sensitive. On specific days, he repeatedly calls a few designated individuals, and if they do not answer, he continues to call persistently for a long time....

Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
It seems that your personality has changed somewhat in recent years. It is advisable to seek medical attention from a psychiatrist or neurologist. Dr. Wu En-Liang.

Understanding Emotional Instability and Cognitive Issues in Aging Parents

Hello, my mother used to frequently complain to me about my father, his mother, and his siblings, saying they treated her poorly. She often recounted past grievances, such as, "My father's brother asked my brother to carry his shoes downstairs when my brother was 10 yea...

Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello: Based on your description, it seems that your mother may have issues with emotional instability. However, there are many potential causes for emotional instability, including personality traits, life stressors, and mental health disorders. If it is a mental health disorder...

Understanding Family Mental Health: Signs of Possible Disorders

Hello, doctor. I am a patient with mild depression, and my family environment has greatly affected me, being a major factor in my emotional instability. My family has a certain aversion to mental illness and lacks insight into the condition, making it impossible to persuade them ...

Dr. Wang Zhenbang reply Psychiatry
Hello, based on your description, here are several points to consider: 1. The diagnostic range for mental disorders is quite broad, and it requires evaluation from multiple perspectives to determine if the diagnostic criteria are met. One important criterion is whether the indi...