Depression in elderly

How many older adults are affected by depression? What are signs of depression? While most people experience periods of sadness at times, depression is a treatable medical condition. However older adults are at an increased risk for experiencing depression. If you are concerned about a loved one, offer to go with him or her to see a health care provider to be diagnosed and treated.

Geriatric depression is a mental and emotional disorder affecting older adults.

Feelings of sadness and occasional blue” moods are normal. However, lasting depression is not a typical part of. It is a common but serious mood disorder that needs treatment. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, and working.

A person with depression cannot simply “snap out of it”—it is a medical condition that affects your quality of life. The good news is that, in most cases, depression is treatable in older adults. The fact that elderliness is accepted as a property of depressive symptoms both by the relatives of the patients and doctors is one of the factors which make it difficult. When you think of depression in the elderly , what comes to mind?

Many of the usual symptoms of depression may be seen.

Common symptoms such as fatigue, appetite loss, and trouble sleeping can be part of the aging process or a physical illness. As a result, early depression may be ignore or confused with other conditions that are common in older adults. In the elderly , depression often occurs with other medical illnesses and disabilities and lasts longer.

Elderly people are less likely to seek help for depression and may not even be able to identify it as depression. There is a difference between clinical and major depression and normal sadness. Depression impacts older people differently than younger people.

Know the signs and get help for a major depressive episode. To discuss pharmacologic treatment of depression in the elderly , including choice of antidepressants, titration of dose, monitoring of response and side effects, and treatment of unresponsive cases. It is a medical illness where a person has persistent feelings of sadness, discouragement, and a lack of self-worth.

View All Start Slideshow. Because older adults are at risk for depression , are underserved by the mental health. Even though it’s common, it’s not a. Older adults may have more medical issues, which can increase their risk of depression. Private Professional Counseling Anytime, Anywhere.

Is your patient experiencing unexplained anxiety and confusion? Review the symptoms here. Find out more about other signs and symptoms to guide you to a clear diagnosis.

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The risk of suicide is a serious concern among elderly patients with depression. Get the Support You Need! If you have older loved ones, family members or friends, it is important to be aware of the statistics and the risks. For many people, the hardest step is deciding to seek medical help for depression. It can be easier to start by making an appointment with one’s family doctor or primary care physician (PCP).

Why does depression in the older population often go untreated? While you may think depression is the natural result of aging, if untreated it can contribute to illness, cardiac. Learn about depression and aging and what depression treatment works best for seniors.

Many elderly persons enjoy life and are relatively satisfied with their lives. In elderly patients, symptoms of depression can be mistaken for symptoms of another medical problem, so it is important for clinicians to consider all physical problems and medications of elderly patients before making a diagnosis. Fast and Free Shipping On Many Items You Love On eBay.

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