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Depression in The Elderly - Part I
Why is it important to treat depression in the elderly?
- Depression throws a dark cloud over our emotional well-being, draining away pleasure and robbing people of hope. Depression can lead seniors to further isolation and despair.
- Depression tends to last much longer in the elderly and can result in unnecessary and / or premature placement in institutional care.
- If depression is not managed it can compromise the treatment of other conditions and can increase the risk of prolonged disability or death.
- Untreated depression can also leave seniors more vulnerable to developing other serious health conditions such as heart disease, infections and immune disorders.
- Depression can make people feel angry, irritable and anxious. This can rob families of the pleasure of their loved ones company and place an additional burden on care providers.
- The risk of suicide in elderly is high. The risk of suicide is particularly high for depressed elderly men.
What factors can increase the risk of depression in the elderly?
The presence of other illnesses, which compromises your ability to get around and be independent. - Some medication or the interaction between medications can cause depression.
- Living with chronic or severe pain.
- Living alone without a supportive network of friends and family.
- The recent death of a loved one.
- Fear of death and or loss of faith.
- A previous history of depression.
- A family history of major depressive disorder.
- If there is a past history of suicide attempt(s).
Illness increases the risk of depression
There are a number of medical conditions that can cause depression in the elderly including:
- Heart problems including having a stroke
- Low thyroid activity
- A lack of vitamin B12 or folic acid
- Low blood pressure
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Cancer, etc.
Many commonly prescribed medications can also cause or make depression worse such as:
- Blood pressure medications
- Beta-blockers
- Steroids
- Digoxins
- Sedatives
If you have these conditions or are being treated with any of these medications it is important to talk with your doctor to rule out if this is the cause of your depression. Don’t stop your medications alone. Should medications not be the ruling factor in elderly depression, it is strongly that you contact your closest EFAP counselor for further guidance in handling the problem.
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