Depression in elderly adults

Older adults are more likely to suffer from subsyndromal depression. This type of depression doesn’t always meet the full criteria for major depression. However, it can lead to major depression if left untreated. Depression in older adults can reduce quality of life, and it increases risk of suicide.

What is the most common cause of depression in older adults?

Older adults also may have more medical conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, or cancer , which may cause depressive symptoms. Or they may be taking medications with side effects that contribute to depression.

How does depression in older adults differ from depression in younger adults?

Depression impacts older people differently than younger people . In the elderly , depression often occurs with other medical illnesses and disabilities and lasts longer. Depression in the elderly is associated with an increased risk of cardiac diseases and an increased risk of death from illness.

What is the most effective treatment for depression in older adults?

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) recommends that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram (Celexa) and fluoxetine (Prozac), be used as first-line depression therapy for elderly people mainly because these drugs have less dangerous side effects than other antidepressants and are less

What are the causes of late life depression?

Causes and Risk Factors for Late – Life Depression Delayed , complicated grief. Social isolation. Disability. Financial concerns and struggles. Using a number of medications to treat physical problems.

What is considered old age for a woman?

Most of Europe have similar views of old age to the World Health Organisation, believing old age starts at 65 years of age . In America, one researcher found that you are considered old at 70 to 71 years of age for men and 73 to 73 for women. Just under a decade ago in Britain, people believed old age started at 59.

Can depression in the elderly mimic dementia?

Depression , nutritional deficiencies, side-effects from medications and emotional distress can all produce symptoms that can be mistaken as early signs of dementia , such as communication and memory difficulties and behavioural changes.

Why is depression overlooked in older adults?

Depression is frequently overlooked in older individuals, in part because their condition is often expressed in physical symptoms like fatigue, insomnia or loss of appetite, as opposed to overt sadness.

Does depression make you age faster?

Research shows your brain physically ages faster when you ‘re depressed. Looking into the brain. New research out of Yale University shows depression can physically change a person’s brain, hastening an aging effect that might leave them more susceptible to illnesses associated with old age .

What are the symptoms of a nervous breakdown?

What are the symptoms of a nervous breakdown? depressive symptoms, such as loss of hope and thoughts of suicide or self-harm. anxiety with high blood pressure, tense muscles, clammy hands, dizziness, upset stomach, and trembling or shaking. insomnia. hallucinations. extreme mood swings or unexplained outbursts .

What causes elderly weakness?

Chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Untreated pain and diseases like fibromyalgia. Anemia. Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. 5 дней назад

What are the psychological problems of elderly?

7 Things That Cause Psychological Problems In The Elderly? Physical health. Along with age comes a host of physical problems that can restrict activity. Isolation. Loss. Dependency. Declining memory. Lack of exercise. Insomnia .

What does old age feel like?

There is a feeling that you can’t do what you used to do . There is a feeling that you might lose your independence, or if you already have, a feeling that you should try and do as much as you can by yourself. There is a feeling that you should spend as much time as possible with those you like to be with.

What is the safest antidepressant for seniors?

Choice of antidepressant The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the newer antidepressants buproprion , mirtazapine , moclobemide , and venlafaxine (a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor or SNRI) are all relatively safe in the elderly.

How old is elderly?

65 years

How can elderly improve mental health?

Read on for 10 practical ways to help you stay mentally well. Be prepared for changes. Getting older and retirement both involve a change in lifestyle for most people. Talk about problems and concerns. Ask for help. Think ahead and have a plan. Care for others. Keep in touch. Be active and sleep well. Eat and drink sensibly.