Detecting depression in the elderly may be complicated by several factors. Often the symptoms of depression such as fatigue, loss of appetite, and sleeping difficulties are associated with the aging process or a medical condition rather than with depression.
Definition
An emotional state marked by sadness, discouragement, and loss of self-worth that occurs in the elderly.
Causes, Incidences, and Risk Factors
Detecting depression in the elderly may be complicated by several factors. Often the symptoms of depression such as fatigue, loss of appetite, and sleeping difficulties are associated with the aging process or a medical condition rather than with depression. Contributing factors include the loss of a spouse or close friends, chronic pain and illness, difficulty with mobility, frustration with memory loss, difficulty adapting to changing circumstances such as moving from a home to a retirement facility, or changes within the family. Depression can also be a sign of a medical problem. It may be complicated by brain disorders associated with the aging process such as Alzheimer’s disease or organic brain syndrome. Risk factors are related to contributing factors. Depression in the elderly is a widespread problem.
Prevention
Prevention is related to the contributing factors. Social supports that help deal with losses, mobility changes, and so on can be helpful. In many cases, there is no effective prevention.
Symptoms
- Depressed or irritable mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities
- Temper, agitation
- Change in appetite, usually a loss of appetite
- Change in weight
- Weight loss (unintentional)
- Weight gain (unintentional)
- Difficulty sleeping
- Daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep (insomnia)
- Fatigue (tiredness or weariness)
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of worthlessness or sadness
- Memory loss
- Abnormal thoughts, excessive or inappropriate guilt
- Abnormal thoughts about death
- Excessively irresponsible behavior pattern
- Thoughts about suicide
- Plans to commit suicide or actual suicide attempts
Note: Symptoms often last for weeks to months.
Signs and Tests
Physical examination to rule out medical causes of depression
Psychological evaluation
A variety of tests may be indicated