Elderly Depression

Management of depression in seniors

Depression can strike anyone, but depression in the elderly can be especially difficult to diagnose and treat. Health problems, medications and big life changes like retirement or the loss of a spouse can all contribute to elderly depression, though it can strike for seemingly no reason at all. Research has shown that about 20 percent of people over 65 suffer from depression. Yet elderly depression doesn’t have to be a part of your retirement years. With an understanding and knowledgeable doctor and willingness from the patient, elderly depression can be successfully treated.

When we lose something, whether it’s a loved one, a job or a way of life, sadness is normal. The grieving process is necessary and healthy. And sometimes for no reason at all we feel a little sad or down in the dumps. So how do you know if what you or a loved one is feeling is normal, or if it’s elderly depression that requires treatment?

Sadness that seems deeper or lasts longer than you’ve experienced before is typically the first sign that it’s depression and not just the blues. Appetite and sleep changes are a key sign. Other symptoms often noticed are weight gain, weight loss, insomnia or excessive sleeping. If things you once enjoyed hold no longer hold any appeal for you, that can be a sign of elderly depression. Isolating yourself, avoiding social occasions or avoiding going out (even simple things like shopping), feelings of guilt and hopelessness, alcohol abuse, drug abuse and suicidal thoughts are also signs that you’re suffering from depression.

Special Symptoms for Elderly Depression

Among older adults, depression can be harder to diagnose because very often depressed persons will claim that they don’t feel sad at all. Can you be depressed without being sad? Absolutely. In fact, many older adults often don’t feel sad but show other symptoms like unexplained general aches and pains, sudden lack of motivation or energy to tackle daily life or familiar pains that have suddenly worsened. Depression in the elderly can also take the form of nervousness and anxiety. Usually some of the other symptoms listed above are present, too, but all in the absence of a real feeling of sadness.

Treatment for Depression in the Elderly

Counseling and anti-depressants are usually the best treatments for depression of the elderly. Though depending on what the doctor believes the causes of depression are, treatment for depression in the elderly can be something as simple as a change in current medications or increased social activities.