Signs of Depression in the Elderly

Are you aware of the signs of depression in older adults? Common signs are known by many people. But old people suffer from several types of depression which is fully not major depression. But it is bad if left untreated because it can reduce their quality of life, or even lead to suicide. So, you need to learn about the signs of depression that happen in old age. Visit the best Mental Health Clinic in East New York or log on to www.doralhw.org.

Keep reading this article to learn the signs.

Depression is a mental disorder that affects the ways you act, feel, and think; giving you a constant feeling of loneliness and sadness, which can lead a person to suicidal thoughts and suicide. This condition is quite common in older people but is not a common part of aging. What causes depression is unknown but certain factors lead to depression such as biological differences, brain chemistry, hormones, or inheritance.

65% of Americans who are older than 65 suffer from depression and only 10% get treatment. That’s why it is crucial, especially in old people, that their symptoms be noted and given treatment on time to save their lives.

Signs of depression can vary from person to person as the cause of depression can be different in every person. Common symptoms that you can notice are:

Not able to sleep properly or sleep too much.
Chest pain can be a sign of other conditions too.
Persistent sadness on their faces.
Fatigue and exhaustion
Pain in muscles and joints. Chronic pain can lead to depression.
Digestion problems include nausea, vomiting, constipation, or indigestion.
Headaches
Loss of appetite and weight.
Apathy
Loss of interest in their favorite activities.
Agitation and restlessness
Suicidal thoughts and attempts. One of the most notable symptoms.
Lack of concentration

If you notice two or more signs in them, take them to a psychiatrist or healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing depression, especially in older adults, is difficult. The first doctor who meets them is a primary care doctor and assists them from living facilities or care workers to notice their symptoms of depression.

After that, when the caretakers note all the symptoms according to their mood and behavior, then, the psychiatrist meets them to ask how long they are feeling depressed, what is the reason behind their depression, and if they experienced depression in the past too.

Management

Managing depression is a challenging task as a single treatment is not always effective for everyone. Treatment is given with a combination of medication, therapies, and lifestyle changes.

Antidepressants and drugs like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), bupropion, mirtazapine, etc. medication is used to treat depression. But only take medication that is recommended by the doctor. Because it can lead to side effects.

Psychotherapy or counseling sessions are amazingly effective against depression. Expert mental professionals talk to them to understand their issues and provide the best solution to their mental problems.

Lifestyle changes include:

Increase their physical activities
Getting enough sleep
Finding a new hobby
Get a good talk with family or friends. Go out with them to spend quality time.
Eat a well-balanced diet.

In case, medication and therapies are ineffective and the person has other health problems or suicidal thoughts then only treatment with ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) or Transcranial magnetic stimulation is used. In these therapies, electric waves or magnetic waves are used to transfer them onto the nerve transmitter of the brain to relieve depression.

Depression can happen to anyone, but it is common in old people as they start feeling weak and lonely with age. While the reasons behind depression can be different in every person, you can prevent them.

Want to know more about depression?

Doral Health and Wellness has the best Doctors and Psychiatrists that specialize in Behavioral health make accurate diagnoses, and craft tailored treatment programs. Visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212.

In order to schedule a consultation with the best Mental health Clinic in East New York, please visit www.doralhw.org.

Call us at 1-347-384-5690 to schedule a consultation. So, what are you waiting for! Call us and book your appointment.

Signs of Depression in the Elderly