Recognizing Depression in the Elderly
Flickr image by aussiegall
According to the Cleveland Clinic, “depression is not a normal part of aging; but unfortunately, it is very common in the elderly. Late-life depression affects about 6 million Americans age 65 and older, but only 10 percent receive treatment.” Medical professionals believe that the elderly frequently confuse depression with the symptoms of other illnesses and the medications used to treat them.
Elderly females, who are widowed, have suffered stressful life events and do not have a strong social network tend to be most at risk for depression late in life.
Risk factors for the elderly include:
- Use of certain medications and/or a combination of multiple medications
- Illness
- Being socially isolated
- Bereavement
- Suffering from chronic or severe pain
- Poor body image (e.g., from amputation, surgery, heart attack, etc.)
- A personal history of depression
- Family history of depression
- Previous suicide attempts
- Substance abuse
Please review this article on the Cleveland Clinic’s website. It also offers information on treatment options for the elderly who suffer from late-in-life bouts of depression.
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