Introduction:
Depression can affect anyone at any age, but it often looks different in older adults. Let's explore how depression impacts the elderly and what you can do to help. It is considered normal if you feel low for a few days, but if it continues for more than two weeks and if you are not able to do your daily activities, then you might be experiencing depression. Late-life depression affects individuals above 60 years of age. Elderly people believe that symptoms of depression are due to aging, diminishing health, and dementia. Sometimes, they fail to admit what they are going through, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
How Common Is Depression in Older People?
"Did you know that depression affects approximately 10% of older adults and as many as 30% of those in aged-care facilities? It's more common than you might think but often goes unrecognized. It is essential to know that not all elderly people are affected by depression. But they are more likely to get depression. They fail to admit their mental illness and delay their diagnosis and treatment. This increases the risk of complications.
Causes of Depression in Older Adults:
What causes depression in older adults? It's often a mix of factors, including physical health, social connections, and significant life changes. Let's take a closer look.
Poor Physical Health:
Older adults above 60 years are more likely to experience depression related to medical conditions. Depression is uncommon in healthy individuals in their 60s.
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Physical illnesses like heart disease, thyroid issues, cancer, and kidney disease can affect mental health, causing depression.
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Conditions like arthritis or restricted mobility can lead to dependence on others, which may trigger depression.
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If depression occurs in older adults, it's important to check for diseases affecting blood flow to the brain.
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Certain medications, such as those for blood pressure, pain, or steroids, can cause depression as a side effect.
Social Isolation:
Elderly people will get isolated from their family and friends. This is because they might have died or it would be difficult to travel to meet them.
Loss During Old Age:
Individuals during their old age are more prone to significant instances of loss. This is due to their loss of spouse, family members, relatives, and friends. This may also include any impairment in your health. Very few individuals can handle this situation, and others may start experiencing symptoms of depression for months together due to continuous loss.
How Does Depression in Older People Differ From Depression in Younger Adults?
Depression affects the elderly in a different way. The elderly are more prone to depression due to their associated medical conditions. It also lasts longer in the elderly.
Depression in the elderly is linked to a heightened risk of heart disease. There is also an increase in the chance of death if you have any cardiac or other severe illness. This makes it important to diagnose and treat as soon as possible, even if the symptoms are mild.
Are you thinking about what could be the symptoms of depression in the elderly? Here are a few.
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Feeling tired.
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Changes in sleep pattern.
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Weight loss or weight gain.
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Loss of appetite.
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Self-harm.
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Low energy levels.
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Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable.
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Hopelessness.
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Agitation.
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Confusion.
How Depression in the Elderly Is Diagnosed?
Is it easy to diagnose depression? No, it is not because no one test can diagnose depression. In the elderly, it is more complicated to diagnose depression. When you feel something is not right with your mental health, you need to reach out to your primary physician. The physician will ask questions related to your emotions, behavioral changes, and family history. To confirm the diagnosis, you must experience the symptoms of depression for a minimum of two weeks.
Treatment of depression in the elderly:
Treatment for depression includes medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. Just like cause and diagnosis, no one particular treatment can treat the condition. Medications include antidepressants that help regulate chemical changes in the brain. They are
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Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI): These drugs are the first line of drugs used to treat geriatric depression. The drugs belonging to this group should be consumed for four to six weeks. However, certain drugs like Citalopram may cause cardiac complications.
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Serotonin-norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRI): Drugs belonging to this category are the second line of drugs for elderly people. Drugs like Venlafaxine, Desvenlafaxine, and Duloxetine are safe for elderly people. However, according to some researchers, these drugs may cause high blood pressure.
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Atypical Antidepressants: Drugs like Bupropion and Mirtazapine belong to this category. These drugs provide relief from additional symptoms like lack of sleep, eating disorders, and restlessness.
Psychotherapy or talk therapy includes discussing with the psychiatrist or mental health specialist to navigate your emotions and negative thoughts in a healthy manner. Cognitive decline and depression co-exist, which is managed by psychotherapy.
Lifestyle changes include -
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Following a nutritious and well-balanced diet.
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Practicing exercise regularly.
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Talking with friends or family.
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Engaging in activities that interest you.
Prevention of Depression in the elderly:
Is it possible to prevent geriatric depression? Yes, here are some strategies to prevent depression in the elderly, including supporting healthy aging and mental health. It includes -
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Encouraging healthy behaviors.
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Reducing financial insecurity.
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Support programs for those living with medical illness.
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Ensuring proper housing and transport.
Conclusion
Depression is a mental health disorder that affects people of any age, however, it is more common in the elderly. This is due to various factors like isolation, other medical conditions, and medications taken for other illnesses. Risk factors for depression in aging adults include being single, unmarried, lack of support groups, and traumatic life events. If you experience any form of depressive symptoms, contact a physician right away. This helps to identify and treat the condition early.
Keynote from iCliniq -
If you or your loved one experience symptoms of depression, consult the physician to diagnose and treat the condition. It helps to improve the quality of life and prevent the progression of other medical conditions. It is always better to consult the doctor than deny it before it is too late.
