Depression: How To Recognize It In Seniors

Depression is very common in older adults. Many symptoms and causes of depression in seniors are not well understood. Sometimes, it can be difficult to recognize depression because of medication interactions, life circumstances, or just aging. Although depression is not a common condition, it is more common in older people. They are less likely than others to seek treatment.

Depression affects more than 7 million senior citizens. This shocking number contrasts with 10% of those suffering from depression receiving treatment. Subsyndromal depression, which is mild depression among older adults, cannot be diagnosed. It is estimated to affect approximately five million people. Subsyndromal Depression is common among the elderly and can increase Cannabinoid Oil Lambeth your chances of developing major depression. As the Baby Boomer generation grows older, it is crucial to recognize and treat depression in older adults. This country faces unheard of healthcare problems.

Depression isn't "just part growing older." Depression can affect up to five percent of seniors. These numbers can rise to 13.5% if you're in an institutional or home-based care environment. These numbers show that older adults may need more care if their lives are difficult or if they have medical conditions.

There are many reasons why depression can occur. Senior citizens can also experience depression, just like it can happen to the rest of us. Other issues may be present in senior citizens that could make it more difficult.

Depression in elderly people can be caused by many things. These factors include psychological, environmental, and physical factors. These factors or combinations of them can lead to depression in the elderly.

Psychological factors include:
* Life events that are either traumatic or not solved
* Previous depression or family history
* Problems with your body image. As we age, we experience discomfort from physical changes like heart attacks and strokes.
* Memory loss can result from ageing or disease and may lead to frustrations.
* How to cope with the loss and grief of family members, friends, and spouses.
* Addressing changes in living conditions or circumstances such as moving in with family members, or into a nursing facility.
* Loss in independence. Senior citizens might be anxious about allowing caregivers into their homes. If they require assistance, they may feel less independent.
* Existing psychological conditions like anxiety disorders or low self-esteem.

These environmental factors include:
* Social isolation. Depression can be caused by a decrease in mobility or loss of contact with family and friends (including a spouse).
* Retirement.
* Restricted mobility including loss of driving privileges.

These physical factors include:
* Family and personal history of depression
* Pre-existing medical conditions like cancer, stroke, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
* Side effects and interactions with medication. Depression can be caused by certain medications, hormones, and high blood pressure drugs.
* Brain function and chemical imbalances
* Severe and/or chronic pain
* Continued use of or occurrences of substance.

You can get help from a caregiver to identify the signs and symptoms that are associated with depression.
The most valuable asset for identifying depression symptoms and signs in older adults is the caregiver. Professional caregivers or family members can be invaluable as they keep in touch with the senior. Caregivers can sometimes spot problems sooner than other caregivers, even elder people's doctors.

It is interesting to see the difference between people with depression in their older years and those who are not as depressed. This is because of the difficulty they have understanding their condition. Doctors and families often ask, "Are your symptoms depressive?" Most often, the answer is "no". This is because older people are less likely to feel depressed with their parents than those younger. They might also think that admitting they have depression is weakness.

Some people experience "sadder" events more than others. These events may be interpreted differently by older people than those who are younger. The death of a friend or close relative can be seen as not only a sad event but also as a reminder of one's mortality. The loss of a friend, especially for older people with fewer friends, can be devastating. It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between sadness, grief, or actual depression. There is a difference in sadness and grief. They are temporary. After an event, a person can feel sad or depressed for a while. Caregivers can detect subtle changes in behavior which could indicate the onset or progression of something more serious.

For older adults, depression symptoms may include:
* Memory problems
* Confusing
* Social withdrawal
* Loss of appetite
* Weight loss
* Unspecified complaints or pain
* Inability to fall asleep
* Irritation
* Delusions (fixed false beliefs)
* Hallucinations
* persistent and vague complaints
* Request assistance
* Take your time
* Exercising discipline

What's the difference between dementia and depression?
Depression and dementia can share many symptoms that make it difficult to tell the difference. Both conditions can be co-morbid. One or both of these conditions could be present. These symptoms can include social withdrawal or loss of interest in once-favorite hobbies.

Three factors can help distinguish between depression and dementia, according to the Mayo Clinic. These factors could be crucial in diagnosing depression in seniors. Dementia is more common in seniors than in those suffering from depression.
* Milder symptoms of depression may exist.
* Depression episodes can not last as long, or recur frequently.
* Speak less about suicide and try suicide less often

It is important to correctly diagnose depression in seniors for the best treatment. Here are some options to treat senior depression:

* Antidepressants. SSRIs (Celexa. Zoloft. Effexor. Wellbutrin can be given to older adults suffering from dementia and depression. Antidepressants have a lower chance of drug interactions and side effects than other drugs.
* Exercise. Regular exercise can reduce depression symptoms. Research shows that morning exercise is the best.
* Emotional and mental support. Depression sufferers can access support groups and counseling services.
* Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). ECT is the best treatment to treat depression and dementia. ECT is a good option for severe depression sufferers in the elderly. Because there are less side effects, people with dementia can use it.