Citation

Gai J, Gomes L, Jansen De Cárdenas C. Acta Med. Port. 2009; 22(1): 83-88.

Vernacular Title

Ptofobia: o medo de cair em pessoas idosas.

Affiliation

Programa de Pos-Graduacao Strito Sensu em Gerontologia, Universidade Catolica de Brasilia, Brasil.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Centro Editor Livreiro da Ordem dos Medicos)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

19341596

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.

Language: pt