What is Depression in Elderly?
Depression is a common Mood disorder that negatively influences how a person views life, it causes a feeling of helplessness, low mood, guilt and sadness, irritability and a lack of pleasure in activities and hobbies that were once enjoyable. Depression is common among older people as they are more likely to experience stressors such as loss, chronic illnesses, social isolation, and loss of independence.
How is it different for Elderly from Adults?
Older adults are at an increased risk for depression due to their heightened exposure to life stressors. Furthermore, depression in this age group often goes unnoticed because it might be dismissed as a normal response to aging or attributed to other health issues. This misattribution can prevent individuals from seeking help or having their symptoms recognized, especially since they may have fewer social interactions and are less likely to be engaged in work. Additionally, symptoms of depression in older adults can be mistaken for those of dementia, as both conditions may involve memory problems, reduced concentration, and slower cognitive processing.
Types of Depressive Disorders in Elderly:
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Marked by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities, which often interfere significantly with daily life.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): Or dysthymia, it consists of less severe symptoms than those in major depressive disorder, but they are chronic and long-lasting for at least two years. It negatively affects daily functions and interferes with one’s social and work life.Depressive Disorder Due to A Medical Condition: depression related to other illnesses, such as heart disease, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s disease, or other medical disorders.
Causes:
Biological:
Psychological:
Social:
Depression could run in families.
Irregular sleep patterns.
Nutritional deficiencies.
Chronic illness or pain.
Lack of physical activity
Some medications.
– Trauma.
– Stress.
Isolation and lack of support.
Family problems..
Financial stress.
Life transitions.
Signs and symptoms:
Persistent feeling of sadness, hopelessness, guilt,
Decreased energy
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Appetite and weight changes
Moving slowly
Talking slowly
Sleep problems
Memory problems
Difficulty in concentration
Thoughts of death or suicide
Treatment Options at Mind Clinic:
Depression is a treatable condition with many available options and modalities that could improve the person’s life significantly. Treatment varies according to severity and it could consist of psychotherapy, medications, a combination of both.In Mind Clinic we follow a holistic approach in assessing and treating Depression.
Firstly, a psychiatric assessment would be conducted in which the doctor assesses the person through personal interview, typically in the presence of a family member or the individual’s caregiver, who would be interviewed as well.Questionnaires or medical tests may be required depending on the individual’s medical history.
After the assessment and diagnosis, an initial plan is made depending on what is best for the person. This could include medications, therapy approaches or a combination of both depending on the person’s need and goals.
A psychological assessment would be conducted by a therapist to determine what might help according to the individual’s specific needs, the options could include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Interpersonal therapy (IPT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Behavioral Activation (BA).
Other options could be discussed as a part of the personalized plan for each person such as family focused therapy, nutrition and diet counseling, and education.References:
National Institute of Aging. (n. d.). Depression and Older Adults. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/mental-and-emotional-health/depression-and-older-adults
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ( 2023, June 30). Depression and Aging. https://www.cdc.gov/aging/olderadultsandhealthyaging/depression-and-aging.html#depressionolderadults
Health Direct. ( 2023, December). Depression in older people. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/depression-in-older-people
William Coryell. MSD Manual. ( 2023, October). Depression. https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/mental-health-disorders/mood-disorders/depression?query=depressive%20disorders