Depression in the Elderly
Depression is not a normal part of aging but, unfortunately, it is the most common mental illness found in old people. Late-life depression affects many people in age 65 and older, but only 10% of these people receive treatment. Because of depression symptoms in the elderly are regularly confused with the effects of multiple illnesses and the medicines used to threat them. Depression in later life frequently occurs with other medical illnesses and disabilities. In addition with advancing age it is often accompanied by loss of key social support systems due to the death of a spouse or siblings, retirement and/or relocation of residence. Because all circumstances has been changed and the fact that they are expected to slow down so that doctors and family may miss the diagnosis of depression in elderly people and delaying effective treatment. As a result, many seniors find themselves to cope with symptoms that could otherwise be easily treated.
Depression basically tends to last for longer periods in elderly adults. It also increases the risk to develop cardiac diseases and increases their risk of death from illness, while reducing their ability to rehabilitate. Studies of nursing home patients with physical illnesses have shown that the occurrence of depression significantly increased the likelihood of death from those illnesses. Depression also has been associated with increased risk of disease following a heart attack. For that reason, an elderly person should be concerned about what is evaluated and treated, even if the depression is mild. Some times depression in older people is more likely to lead to suicide. The risk of suicide is a serious concern among elderly patients suffering from depression. Elderly white men are at greatest risk, with suicide rates are increased in people ages 80 to 84 more than twice that of the general population. The National Institute of Mental Health considers people in age 65 and older to be a major public health problem with depression. Treatment of depression in the elderly is broadly similar to treatment in younger adults, and the majority of people respond well to the same antidepressant treatments, which need at least two to four weeks to begin to work. These may be supplemented by helpful counselling by your GP.
People, who are suffering from severe depression, or those who do not respond to such treatment, may need to be referred to a psychiatrist skilled in treating the elderly. So they may respond to another antidepressant or to a combination of antidepressants and other medicines. Electroconvulsive therapy can also be useful for effective treatment in elderly people with severe depression and can be life transforming. Many elderly people are reluctant to accept as they might be depressed believing that there is a stigma attached to mental illness, others may not even be aware they are depressed, and some may not bother to look for help because they feel there isn't any point and think their situation is hopeless. This makes the elderly particularly helpless to the effects of depression as their depression can go undiagnosed and continue indefinitely. Suicide risks are high amongst older people who are depressed so it is important to recognize any signs that might indicate the onset of depression and encourage them to seek out help as soon as possible because with the right support and treatment, the depression can be lifted, and the elderly person will be capable to regain a sense of joy in their lives.