Geriatric Depression

This article was submitted by Parthenon Pavilion.
For more information, they can be reached at 615-342-1450.

What is geriatric depression?
Geriatric depression is no different than depression except that onset is in the later years of life. Geriatric depression is overlooked and misdiagnosed because the symptoms often overlap those of medical illnesses that are common with aging. Another reason geriatric depression goes underreported, is because people think that the symptoms are a normal part of the aging process. Depression is not normal in advanced age. It is true that older adults face several significant changes, but healthy persons can cope without sacrificing their daily life.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Sad or anxious
Loss of interest in things once found enjoyable
Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness or guilt
Difficulty concentrating
Changes in sleep and eating habits
Loss of energy
Restlessness or irritability
Thoughts of death or suicide

All of the above symptoms do not have to be present to indicate a case of clinical depression but several of them will persist.

How is depression treated?
There are several different ways to treat depression with the most common being antidepressant medications. Existing antidepressant drugs are known to influence the functioning of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals used by brain cells to communicate). Because of this, it can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks to see if a particular medication is a good fit. It is not uncommon to find that certain medications work for some people and not for others. This is not reason to panic. There is an ever-widening range of medications to choose from. Within the geriatric population, the process of finding a medication that is effective can be more challenging. The doctor has to consider all the possible drug interactions with medications that a patient is already taking regularly and weigh the pros and cons of side effects. The elderly also often require lower doses of antidepressants than the average patient.

Something to remember...
People with depression may not recognize they have a treatable disorder or may be discouraged from seeking, or staying in treatment because of feelings of shame and stigma. It is important to remember that having depression is not your fault, or something with which you have to live.