Elderly Depression

Elderly depression is not a normal part of aging but, unfortunately, it is very common in the elderly.

Elderly depression affects about 6 million Americans age 65 and older, but only 10% receive treatment, usally because the symptoms of depression in the elderly are often confused with other illnesses and the medicines used to threat them.

Also, advancing age is often accompanied by a loss in the person's social outlets due to the death of a spouse or siblings, retirement or relocation of residence.

Because of these large changes in their lives, and the fact that they're expected to slow down, doctors and family may miss the diagnosis of depression in elderly people.

As a result, many seniors find themselves having to cope with symptoms that could otherwise be easily treated.

In addition, elderly depression tends to last longer. It also doubles the risk to develop heart disease 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 presence of depression substantially increased the likelihood of death from those illnesses.

Lastly, depression in the elderly is more likely to lead to suicide. The risk of suicide is a serious concern among elderly patients with depression.

Factors that increase the risk of depression in the elderly include:

* Being female.
* Being unmarried (especially if widowed).
* Stressful life events.
* Lack of a supportive social network.
* Other illnesses like stroke, diabetes, cancer and dementia.
* Certain medicines or combination of medicines.
* Living alone or social isolation.
* Recent bereavement.
* Presence of chronic or severe pain.
* Damage to body image from illnesses or accidents.
* Fear of death.
* Previous history of depression.
* Family history of major depressive disorder.
* Past suicide attempt(s).
* Substance abuse.

The treatment options available for elderly depression are the same as for others and include depression medicine , psychotherapy and natural cures for depression or in more difficult to treat cases, a combination of these treatments.

However, the elderly person or their caretaker needs to be aware that the risk of side effects or potential reactions with other medicines that the person is taking for other health problems is very common and must be carefully considered.

Also, the elderly often have other issues to deal with as well such as the perceived social stigma and the extra high cost of extra medications which may prevent them from seeking help or starting and continuing treatment. It's clear that depression in the elderly can be very complicated to treat for all these reasons and it's extremely important if a loved one is suffering to let them know that you are their for help and support during their already trying times.

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