Depression in Older Adults --Know the Signs!

Amanda Butler 

In most cases, individuals are unable to identify the signs and symptoms of depression due to a lack of health education and because older adults may show different and less obvious symptoms.  The individual is more likely to overlook the symptoms as not severe, causing the symptoms and illness to worsen.  More health education needs to be provided to senior citizens on depression awareness and the provided steps to help treat this disease.

Every individual who suffers from symptoms of depression may incur different experiences and level of severity.  Some signs may include: persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood; feelings of hopelessness/pessimism; feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness; loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed; decreased energy, fatigue, being “slowed down”; difficulty concentrating, remembering; appetite and/or weight-loss/gain; thoughts of death or suicide; restlessness, irritability; Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain (Grohol, 2008).  If these symptoms remain untreated, symptoms of major depression may worsen and may continue for years.  They can cause untold suffering and can lead to suicide.

Depression most likely results from family history, life experiences such as trauma or the loss of a loved one, and the individual’s environment.  For older adults who experience depression for the first time later in life, other factors may be involved.  Depression may be related to changes that occur in the brain and body as a person ages. For example, older adults may suffer from restricted blood flow, a condition called ischemia. Over time, blood vessels may harden and prevent blood from flowing normally to the body's organs, including the brain, later causing vascular depression (NIH, 2007).  Depression in older adults can also co-occur with other serious medical illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, and Parkinson’s disease.  Medication taken for these illnesses can also contribute to the onset of depression.

Throughout the world, many physicians believe that depression is a natural part of aging, but in fact, depression is not a normal part of aging. Suicide is also another major health concern among older adults suffering from depression.  Older white males age 85 and older have the highest suicide rate in the United States.Depression in older adults is extremely detrimental to their life and can cause more health problems for the individual.  Some consequences may include: Diminishing the quality of life for the senior, as well as for friends and loved ones; Depression increases the risk of substance abuse and substance abuse in¬creases the risk of depression; Depressed seniors are up to 3 times more likely to fall than those without depression; Increased visits to emergency rooms and hospitalizations; Unnecessary or premature nursing facility placement (Older Adults, n.d.).

If symptoms of depression are identified within an individual, they should immediately be seen by a physician or family doctor.  A doctor can rule out medications or another medical condition as the cause of the depression by doing a complete physical exam, interview, and lab tests (Depression, n.d.). If these factors can be ruled out, he may refer them to a mental health professional such as a psychologist, counselor, social worker, or psychiatrist.  Once diagnosed with depression, the person can be treated in several ways.  Antidepressant medication is the first way an individual can be treated for depression.  These antidepressants primarily work on the neurotransmitters to help regulate mood within the body.  Another way an individual can seek treatment is through psychotherapy or “talk therapy.” Therapy helps the person restructure negative thought patterns and change behaviors that may contribute towards the depression.  Support groups can also help link older adults to other persons going through similar problems.  

NIH Senior Health (2007). In National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved January 2012.

Depression (n.d.). In National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved January 2012.

Grohol, J. M. (2008). Types and Symptoms of Depression. In PsychCentral. Retrieved January 2012.

Depression and Older Adults (n.d.). In Comprehensive Psychiatric Services. Retrieved January 2012.

Depression (2007). In ULifeline. Retrieved January 2012.