*Depression in elderly is treatable
Depression is sometimes viewed as a normal part of aging. It shouldn't be. Left untreated, depression increases the likelihood of disability, placement in a nursing home and death. Suicide risk also increases with age; white men older than 85 have the highest suicide rate in the United States.
Depression in seniors can often be treated effectively, but when depressive symptoms arise, it can be challenging not to mistake them for symptoms of another medical disorder, according to a recent issue of the Harvard Mental Health Letter.
Although some seniors with depression develop classic symptoms such as persistent sadness and despair, others may seek help for less typical symptoms such as heart palpitations, fatigue, tremors or vomiting. People may also report cognitive problems, such as an inability to concentrate or remember things.
It's not entirely clear why symptoms of depression in seniors may differ from those in younger adults. Coexisting medical problems, medication side effects and the natural aging process may all contribute.
Dr. Michael Miller, editor in chief of the Harvard Mental Health Letter, notes that it's important for doctors who suspect depression in a senior patient to assess the person's physical health problems and medications to determine whether these might be contributing to depressive symptoms.
In some people, treating an underlying medical problem will alleviate depression, but other patients will require antidepressant medications (starting at half the dose used in younger adults), psychotherapy or both.
While it may take some time to determine the best treatment strategy for a particular individual, the reward is often a better quality of life. - Newswise
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