Ptophobia: the fear of falling in elderly people.

Authors

  • Juliana Gai Programa de Pós-Graduação Strito Sensu em Gerontologia, Universidade Católica de Brasilia, Brasil.
  • Lucy Gomes
  • Carmen Jansen De Cárdenas

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20344/amp.1681

Abstract

Falling is a serious problem for the elderly which consequences--fractures, other lesions and the fear of falling--may result in auto-restrictions in daily living activities, producing immobility and accelerating the physical decline associated with aging. The ptophobia (phobic fear of falling) is characterized by an out-of-control fear of walking, even without locomotion alteration, loss of self-esteem and social isolation. Interventions for the prevention and treatment of the falling fear in the elderly are very important to assure a good quality of life. Psychotherapy and physical rehabilitation have been related as ways of treatment of ptophobia in the elderly.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

How to Cite

1.
Gai J, Gomes L, Jansen De Cárdenas C. Ptophobia: the fear of falling in elderly people. Acta Med Port [Internet]. 2009 Feb. 27 [cited 2024 Nov. 23];22(1):83-8. Available from: https://actamedicaportuguesa.com/revista/index.php/amp/article/view/1681

Issue

Section

Arquivo Histórico