Depression_in_the_Elderly

Depression is the most common metal illness in found in the elderly. Mild depression affects only about 15 to 20 % of the elderly and major depression affects only about 1-2 % of the population. Although the percentages seem low, it is still very important to recognize depression symptoms as early as possible. Too often depression is dismissed as “normal behavior” for the aging. Depression in the elderly can be triggered by many different issues or situations. For example, the loss of a spouse is a common cause of geriatric depression, bereavement, loss of health, or loss of health in a spouse. For many, the cause could just be the buildup of disappointments in throughout life in general. Depression tends to last longer in the elderly. Again, the elderly adults tend not to want to complain of feeling down, as they assume that these feelings occur naturally with aging. Factors that increase the risk of depression in the elderly are increased by certain factors which include but are not limited to: being female, being single, widowed, or divorced, and the lack of social support or social interaction. It is essential to know the depression symptoms and signs in the elderly, as they can be mistaken for other disorders or even worse, never treated. Symptoms of depression in the elderly are similar to young people that suffer depression except the elderly do not often complain of feeling down as they believe that the sadness and/or aches and pains is due to aging. Many do not even realize they are depressed because they tend to feel more of the physical symptoms of depression. The physical symptoms include: insomnia, loss of appetite, inability to concentrate, and weight loss. Signs of depression include: pessimism about the future, isolation, lack of interest in activities they normally enjoyed, persistent sadness, and suicidal thoughts. If suicidal thoughts are present psychiatric help must be sought immediately, as suicide is more common among older adults than any other age group. Suicide among white males aged 85 and older was nearly six times the national U.S. rate, proven in the latest study available, conducted in 1996. Luckily there is treatment available to older adults suffering depression. The treatment is usually somewhat similar to that of treating younger people suffering depression. These treatments include antidepressants medicines, psychotherapy, and electroconvulsive therapy. Sometimes a combination of these aforementioned treatment methods must be used in more extreme cases. Antidepressants take longer to go into effect for the elderly. These medications must be carefully chosen for the elderly, making sure that they do not have any drug to drug reactions with other medicines taken. Also some antidepressant medications are hard on the body and side effects such as sedation or a drop in blood pressure may be dangerous and even life threatening if given to the elderly without careful monitoring. Psychotherapy is proven to be very helpful and this can even include joining a support group. Electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT, is usually only used as an alternative to medication for those who cannot handle the side effects of the medications. Although the facts of depression in the elderly may be frightening to some, especially when you think about your loved ones, it is imperative to recognize the signs and symptoms of geriatric depression so that support may be given. With the proper treatment and early diagnosis depression can be cured quite hastily. So, make sure you cherish your elderly loved ones and have a good relationship so that depression doesn’t get the best of them. Depression in the Elderly By: Patricia Wright SOC 400