Depression in Older Adults
What is depression?
Depression is a condition that causes you to feel sad, hopeless, and uninterested in
daily life. Depression can be mild to severe. It can last for a short time or a long time.
Depression is a common problem among older adults, but it is not a normal part of
aging. In fact, studies show that older adults generally feel satisfied with their lives, even
though they have more medical problems. When depression does occur, it is important
to get treatment. Untreated depression can lead to other emotional problems, even
suicide.
How does it occur?
The exact cause of depression is not known. It may result from chemical imbalances in
the brain and nervous system.
Depression tends to run in families. Illnesses, such as Alzheimer's disease or cancer,
can contribute to depression. Some medicines can cause depression or make a mild
case of depression worse. Life situations such as loss and loneliness may also cause
depression.
What are the symptoms?
You may feel sad and blue. You may find that you are cutting back on activities that you
normally enjoy. You may:
 Lose your appetite and start losing weight.
 Eat more than usual, and gain weight.
 Have trouble going to sleep or you may wake during the night and not be able
to fall asleep again.
 Lack energy or feel very tired.
Depressed older people are more likely to complain of physical problems than that they
are feeling sad, anxious, or hopeless. Tiredness, mood changes, sleepiness, and
memory problems may be side effects of medicines rather than symptoms of
depression. Other medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer's
disease, can also cause similar symptoms.
How is it diagnosed?
If you are an older adult, anytime you have signs of depression, you should see your
healthcare provider for a complete medical checkup. The checkup should include a list
of all the medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, and any
alternative or herbal treatments you take. You may have lab tests to check for other
medical problems. Your healthcare provider or a mental health professional can tell you
if your symptoms are caused by depression.
How is it treated?
Many older adults think that they are too old to get help, or that getting help is a sign of
weakness. This is not true. Depression is a physical illness and rarely goes away by
itself. Depression can be successfully treated with therapy, medicine, or most
successfully with both.
Several types of medicines can help treat depression. However, some medicines, such
as benzodiazepines, digoxin, and some beta blockers, can add to the symptoms of
depression. Be sure that your healthcare provider knows about all of the medicines you
are taking. Check with your provider before taking any new medicines, either
nonprescription drugs or drugs prescribed by other healthcare providers.
Counseling and therapy are very helpful. Therapy may last a short time or may need to
go on for many months. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a way to help identify and
change thought processes that can lead to depression. Replacing negative thoughts
with more positive ones can help you overcome depression. Some people find art and
music therapy are helpful.
How long will the effects last?
Often depression lasts a few weeks and never comes again. It can also last months or
years. Some people have depression off and on over their lifetime.
If you are not eating well or getting enough exercise because you are depressed, you
will have less energy and stamina and other health problems you have may worsen.
How can I help take care of myself and help prevent depression?
Having a healthy lifestyle is important. To help you feel better:
 Exercise for at least 20 minutes every day. For example, take walks.
 Learn which activities help you feel better and do them often.
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Talk to family and friends.
Eat a healthy diet.
Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
Learn and practice ways to lower stress, such as breathing exercises or
relaxation techniques.
Have regular checkups.
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