Clinical depression in seniors affects about 6 million American age 65 or older, yet only about 10% get treatment. The likely reason is that older people often display symptoms of depression differently, and many clinicians read the symptoms of depression to be the result of drug interactions or the effects of multiple illnesses, and may not treat the depression.
Depression in older adults is tied to a higher risk of cardiac diseases and of death from illness. Depression reduces an older person's ability to rehabilitate. Studies show that nursing home patients with physical illnesses and who also have depression have a greater likelihood of death from those illnesses. Older people may exhibit depression in one or more of the following ways: tired, trouble sleeping, grumpy, confused, struggle to pay attention, not enjoy activities they used to enjoy, move slowly.
Depression, and as a result suicide, is higher in people 80-84, more than twice the general population. The National Institute of Mental Health considers depression in people 65 and older to be a major public health problem.
Risk factors for depression in seniors include being female, single, unmarried, divorced or widowed. Physical conditions like stroke, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, dementia or chronic pain can further increase the risk of depression.
A primary doctor should regularly ask questions to check for depression, and treat accordingly. Many drugs are available that may help depression, in addition to psychotherapy and support from friends and family, or support groups. Left untreated depression at any age will not end well. There is help for those with depression. It's a matter of finding the right treatment.
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