Caregivers Can Help Spot Depression in the Elderly
Posted by Home Helpers on Tue, Jun 08, 2010
Depression in the elderly is a widespread problem that is often not diagnosed and frequently undertreated. Many older people will not admit to the signs and symptoms of depression for fear that they will be seen as weak or crazy. Some older people may be aware of their depression, but believe that nothing can be done about it.
Depression can also be a sign of a medical problem. It can be a reaction to the illness, or caused by the disease itself. It may be complicated by brain disorders that occur with age, such as
Alzheimer's disease. Depression is also a side effect of many drugs commonly prescribed for the elderly.
Depression can be caused by:
• Changes within the family
•
Chronic pain and illness
• Difficulty getting around
• Frustration with memory loss
• Loss of a spouse or close friend
• Trouble adapting to a life change such as moving from a home to a retirement facility
Symptoms of depression may not be easy to identify in older adults. Their symptoms are often ignored, or confused with other ailments common in the elderly, such as:
Symptoms of depression include:
Abnormal thoughts about death
Abnormal thoughts, excessive or inappropriate guilt
Aches and pains
Change in appetite (usually a loss of appetite)
Change in weight
Unintentional weight loss (most common)
Weight gain
Depressed or irritable mood
Difficulty concentrating
Fatigue (tiredness or weariness)
Feelings of worthlessness or
sadnessIrresponsible behavior
Loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities
Memory loss
Plans to commit suicide or actual suicide attempts
Temper,
agitationThoughts about
suicide
Trouble sleepingIf you have these symptoms every day for more than 2 weeks, you likely have depression. Depression in the elderly may be hard to detect because of several factors. Symptoms such as fatigue, appetite loss, and trouble sleeping also can be part of the aging process or a medical condition. An elderly person may only have a decrease in the ability to perform everyday activities.
A
physical exam will help determine if a medical illness is causing the depression. A psychological evaluation and other tests may be needed.