Elderly depression is when an individual in later life (65 or older) suffers from depression. Depression in the elderly individual typically goes hand-in-hand with other medical diseases or disabilities. Depression in the elderly is often made worse by loss of a support system when life changes such as a death of a spouse, or siblings and friends and also events like retirement or relocation can lead to a decrease of individuals available to support them mentally, emotionally or with daily tasks.
The elderly are at higher risk for severe depression and suicide due to the fact that most depression in older adults goes unnoticed by medical staff or family and friends.
Individuals aged 65 or older with depression are considered to be a major public health problem by the National Institute of Mental Health.
Out of the 6 million Americans who are aged 65 or older and depressed only 10% of them will seek treatment.
Long-term illness, prevalent in this age group is a common trigger for depression. Typical long-term illnesses in the elderly are Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson's disease and stroke.
19% of all deaths by suicide are from depressed elderly individuals.
Elderly patients being treated for significant intensity of depression have approximately 50% higher healthcare costs than non-depressed elderly individuals. The elderly at most risk for depression are those who are on certain medications such as those for hypertension which can have a side effect of depression; those elderly individuals who have other illnesses; those who live alone because they were unmarried or widowed or are otherwise isolated; those who have suffered a recent bereavement; those who suffer from chronic pain; those who have suffered a physical loss (amputation or loss of body part); those who fear death, have a family history of depression or past suicide attempt and those who abuse substances.
Elderly patients being treated with antidepressants may experience side effects and should be counseled by the doctor and or pharmacist so they know what to expect in advance of taking the medication. There may also be reactions with other medications that they are taking. Many pharmacies today are able to track these reactions as long as they are given the correct information regarding all of the medications as well as any herbal therapies that the individual is taking. Antidepressants such as amitriptyline and imipramine can cause a drop in blood pressure or a sedating effect. Antidepressants may also take longer to work in elderly individuals because doctors usually need to start out at a lower dose in order to accommodate medication sensitivities usually occurring in elderly individuals.
Along with medication psychotherapy is usually added to the treatment plan in order for the elderly individual to learn coping mechanisms. Another important aspect of treatment is the growth or establishment of a support system.
