Individuals who are depressed and elderly (65 years of age or older) have some different needs than those who are younger and depressed. Although some symptoms and treatments may be the same or similar the aging body and mind have special needs that must be addressed.
In the elderly individual depression often is seen as they are being treated for medical reasons. Untreated depression can be one cause of certain medical conditions. Serious or chronic disease can lead to depression. As we age it is natural that we experience more loss, more traumas, and more reasons to feel depressed than those who are younger. Perhaps, this reason is why so many feel that being depressed after 65 is normal, to be expected and not noteworthy. The opposite is true. Depression is never natural and although it is common in the elderly, it is something that can and should be treated.
Depression tends to stick around longer when the individual is older versus a person who is young and depressed. Mediations tend to take longer to work because the elderly are usually more sensitive to them and need to be started out at a lower dosage.
Depression increases an elderly person's risk of death, especially if that person is also ill with a serious or chronic disease.
Individuals who are depressed and elderly have an increased risk for heart attack. Knowing this is important because it is never too late to do things to lower your risk. There are still many things that you are in control of. You can find healthier foods to eat. You can ask your doctor about what exercises you can do to stay as fit as possible.
6 million Americans aged 65 or older are affected by depression but amazingly only 10% will seek treatment for it.
Long term illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, and also heart disease can trigger depression as elderly individuals try to cope with these serious and lifelong illnesses.
The healthcare costs associated with patients age 65 or older with depression are 50% higher than those of those of the same age bracket who are not depressed.
Elderly depression can be treated. Mediations psychotherapy, support networks, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are all viable treatment options. Your doctor will go over the treatment options available after the diagnosis is made. There are many community services to help with the medical forms for claiming your medical prescription needs so receiving the medication you need should be something that is possible. Just ask questions, seek support, and never give up on achieving what makes you happy.
Depression can be a life-crisis if treatment is not realized and implemented quickly. Getting the ball rolling is probably the hardest step to take.
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