A common trend of ‘with confessions’ by some elderly women may stem from depression, a clinical psychiatrist has revealed.
According to Dr. Comfort Adjei, a resident psychiatrist at the Pantang Hospital, there is a link between depression and delusions in elderly women.
In an interview with Dr. Anne Sansa Daly on ‘Health and Life with Dr. Daly,’, Dr. Comfort Adjei shed light on the concerning phenomenon of elderly women making “witch confessions” and the role depression plays in such delusions.
According to Dr. Adjei, women, in general, are more prone to depression than men, especially due to hormonal changes related to pregnancy, childbirth, and menstrual cycles.
“Largely, when you look at the demographics, women tend to generally get more depressed than men,” Dr. Adjei explained. With pregnancy and childbirth, women are especially at risk for peripartum depression, which occurs three months before and three months after childbirth.”
Beyond pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman’s life—such as those related to menstruation and menopause—can trigger significant mood swings, making women more susceptible to depression. These mood shifts can sometimes spiral into more severe mental health challenges, Dr. Adjei noted.
However, it’s not just hormonal changes that can lead to depression. One of the more troubling symptoms of depression, especially in elderly women, is an overwhelming sense of guilt.
She explained “Some people will start apologizing for nothing and ask family and loved ones to forgive them for things they haven’t done,” They might even pick up their phones to call friends, asking for forgiveness for things they have no reason to feel guilty about.”
Dr. Adjei added that in some severe cases, feelings of guilt can manifest in strange and alarming ways. “It is said that even for elderly women, some of them could start saying they’re witches and that they killed this and that person,” she revealed. “This is not necessarily true—it’s a delusion brought on by depression.”
These “witch confessions,” while shocking to those around them, are often misinterpreted by society. Dr. Adjei stressed that these statements are not a sign of actual guilt or wrongdoing but are symptoms of the depression that many elderly women experience. “Sometimes when people start confessing certain things, society labels them as witches, but the delusion of guilt and feelings of guilt could present with a low mood,” she explained.
Dr. Adjei also highlighted the global scale of the issue, noting that according to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 5% of the world’s adult population suffers from depression.
Given the rising awareness around mental health, particularly in older populations, it’s crucial to recognize that these kinds of confessions are rooted in mental illness rather than reality.
This discussion emphasizes the need for more research and education surrounding mental health in older adults, particularly for women who may face unique challenges due to hormonal changes and life experiences.
As Dr. Adjei concluded, addressing the root causes of such behaviors with compassion and proper medical care is essential for improving the well-being of elderly women globally.
‘Health and Life with Dr. Daly’ airs on GHOne TV
