[Better identifying and understanding post-traumatic stress disorder in the elderly]

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is particularly common in the elderly, including those with cognitive impairments. We need to stress the importance of early detection to better understand the specific signs of this disorder in the elderly. Psychotherapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing are being explored for their effectiveness and adaptability with the elderly. Identifying post-traumatic stress disorder should be a shared responsibility, for the mental health of the elderly.

Keywords: cognitive impairment; identification; older people; personne âgée; post-traumatic stress disorder; repérage; therapy; thérapeutique; trouble cognitif; trouble de stress post-traumatique.