Treating depression in the elderly

These therapies are almost always used in addition to psychotherapy and support:

• Antidepressants. The first antidepressant medications used for depression in the elderly are usually selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs ).
• ECT. Sometimes called shock therapy, this treatment has been shown to be very helpful for severe depression in the elderly when other depression treatments are not enough
• Duration of treatment.

What is the best antidepressant for the elderly?

When it comes to antidepressants for seniors, most experts recommend SSRIs or selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which help increase the brain chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine. These drugs tend to have fewer serious side effects and drug interactions than older antidepressants on the market.

Which antidepressant should be avoided in the elderly?

Tricyclic antidepressants , especially amitriptyline and dothiepin ,¹⁶ are known to pose a high risk of death in overdosage. These drugs should therefore be avoided in older people whose medication is not supervised and who are at risk of taking an overdose.

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.

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 helps elderly anxiety?

When talking with an older adult who has an anxiety problem: Be calm and reassuring. Acknowledge their fears but do not play along with them. Be supportive without supporting their anxiety . Encourage them to engage in social activities. Offer assistance in getting them help from a physician or mental health professional.

What is the most common inappropriately prescribed drug to the elderly?

Diphenhydramine and amitriptiline are the most common inappropriately prescribed medications with high risk adverse events while propoxyphene and doxazoxin are the most commonly prescribed medications with low risk adverse events.

Can antidepressants cause confusion in the elderly?

Many drugs that act on the brain can cause delirium, including narcotic painkillers, sedatives (particularly benzodiazepines), stimulants, sleeping pills, antidepressants , Parkinson’s disease medications, and antipsychotics.

What is the best anxiety medication for dementia patients?

Options include citalopram ( Celexa ), fluoxetine ( Prozac ), nortriptyline (Pamelor), paroxetine ( Paxil ), and sertraline ( Zoloft ). Side effects of these medicines can include drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, and anxiety.

What medications make dementia worse?

New research links certain medications to dementia risk amitriptyline , paroxetine, and bupropion (most commonly taken for depression) oxybutynin and tolterodine (taken for an overactive bladder) diphenhydramine (a common antihistamine, as found in Benadryl ).

How do you cheer up the elderly?

10 Ways to Help Seniors Deal with Isolation and Depression Treat sleeping problems. Promote a sense of purpose. Encourage social interaction. Keep them physically active. Make sure they eat healthy. Entrust them with a chore. Show them they’re loved. Seek professional help.

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.

How can I help my elderly loneliness?

10 ways to help an elderly person who is lonely Show them you’re available. Keep in touch by phone, email or in person so they know someone is there for them when they need support . Offer to take them out. Ask how they’re feeling. Enlist expert help . Be dependable. Help them discover new ways to stay in touch. Help them to try something new. Talk about practical barriers.

How old is elderly?

65 years

What age is Late Life?

Late-life depression refers to a major depressive episode occurring for the first time in an older person (usually over 50 or 60 years of age ).

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.