"Compass values people. This is reflected in their patient care as well as their management approach. It is a pleasure working with them."
- Sarwat Gad, MD; Psychiatric Director
Depression in the Elderly
The American Psychiatric Association estimates that up to five percent of people 75 and older suffer from depression. Other researchers believe the rate is even higher because many of those who have a depressive disorder can be misdiagnosed with illnesses such as dementia.
Other times, older adults who have depression are not diagnosed at all. Since many seniors accept their symptoms as an inevitable part of aging, no help is sought. Many are easily embarrassed by the stigma of mental illness and are so ashamed of their symptoms that they are unwilling or unable to discuss their feelings with a professional. Because treatment for depression can so dramatically improve the quality of these later years, a correct diagnosis and professional attention are vital.
Sleeping problems, sadness, forgetfulness, and withdrawal from friends are behaviors and feelings we often accept in older adults. But for many people age 75 and over, these responses are not a normal part of the aging process, nor are they signs of senility. They are symptoms of a common emotional illness called depression.
If the signs of this illness are recognized and appropriate help is sought, most elderly patients can experience improvement within weeks. On the other hand, when depression is not recognized and treated, the consequences can be tragic. Depression may be the cause of up to two-thirds of suicides in older adults. The elderly have the highest suicide rate of any age group in America. White males over the age of 65 take their lives three to four times more often than the rest of the population.
How do you know if an elderly person has Depression?
Depression is more than an occasional feeling of sadness or a natural, grieving response to loss. It is a group of long lasting or recurring emotions and behaviors that interfere with a person's normal activities. If you or someone you know has experienced the following signs of depression for two weeks or more, professional help should be considered.
Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, helplessness
Feelings of inappropriate guilt
Persistent sadness or anxiety
Unexplained crying
Irritability
Withdrawal from formerly pleasurable activities and relationships
Memory loss, confusion, disorientation
Inability to concentrate or make decisions
Inability to perform activities of daily living
Change in eating or sleeping habits
Decreased energy or fatigue
Thoughts of suicide
Overly concerned with physical problems
The presence of a number of these symptoms does not necessarily indicate depression. Only a licensed physician or mental health professional can diagnose a person with a psychiatric disorder.
What causes Depression in the elderly?
Stress and loss. Aging is a time of change. For some people, the loss of loved ones, health, physical strength, financial stability, formerly rewarding career or family responsibilities may be too much to cope with and depression may result.
Genetics. Some people have a biological vulnerability to depression. While these individuals may live for decades without developing the illness, the many changes of aging may cause the condition to emerge in later years.
Biological factors. Depression can be triggered by a disturbance in the brain's biochemicals that regulate mood and activity. These biochemicals are called neurotransmitters; they are substances, which carry impulses or messages between nerve cells in the brain. An imbalance in the amount of activity of neurotransmitters can cause major disruptions in thought , emotion and behavior.
Medical Conditions. Certain medical problems, such as hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, heart disease and certain cancers physically create the symptoms of depression. Medications for illnesses, particularly high blood pressure or arthritis, can cause drug interactions leading to depressive symptoms and mood changes.
What to do if you think you have Depression.......
Understand that your sadness and behaviors are not character flaw or weakness. Depression is an illness that can be successfully treated.
Don't accept your symptoms of sadness, forgetfulness and sleep problems as an unavoidable part of aging. You can feel better. Consult with your family physician or contact a mental health professional. See a list of resources below.
While depression rarely goes away by itself, there are steps you can take to improve your outlook. Maintain regular physical examinations, a physician approved exercise regimen, good nutrition, a supportive network of family and friends, and compliance with a physician recommended treatment program.
Who Can I Contact for Help?
If you would like more information or to schedule a confidential screening, please contact one of our facilities in your area.
