There are several treatment options available to those who are elderly and suffer from depression. The prognosis is usually very good if treatment is followed and routine appointments with professionals are kept. Treatment options can be a combination of medication, psychotherapy and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or any by itself.
Medications:
There are four groups of medications commonly prescribed for those who are elderly and depressed. These four groups of medications are:
Tricyclics
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Selective Serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (NSRIs)
The need to take these antidepressant medications as prescribed is vitally important for the successful treatment of the depression in elderly patients. Those of advanced age may need help if they become confused, disoriented or forgetful as these factors could influence the ability to follow recommended dosage and dosage times. Side effects are common when taking antidepressants and the elderly should be made aware of this possibility and what the side effects may be so that they will be prepared and will know not to stop the medication unless instructed by a physician to do so. Stopping without medical guidance can be harmful. Statistically as many as 70% of elderly depression patients fail to take between 25% and 50% of the prescribed medications due to side effects.
Psychotherapy:
Most psychiatrists treating those with depression will typically recommend both medication and therapy/counseling (two other terms for psychotherapy). Depression "clients" jokingly call it "talking therapy", because basically the client tells the therapist about the feelings, or thoughts that are making them depressed, sad etc., and the therapist guides the client so that new coping skills are learned until the client is able to handle the situations or events that triggered the depression. In major depression or long-term depression the medication may need to be taken for extended periods of time depending on the severity of the depression and the diagnosis.
Elderly individuals with milder forms of depression may be able to be treated with psychotherapy alone but being able to talk through the life changes are beneficial for all intensities of depression. Psychotherapy is usually done individually, but can be done in group sessions or a combination.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT):
This therapy is done by a medical professional and is a procedure that uses electrical current. The theory behind ECT is that the electricity produces a mini seizure that releases chemicals in the brain. These chemicals communicate with the nerves that have the result of helping manage depression in those patients in which other treatments have failed or the patient is at high risk for suicide. This therapy is also used for individuals suffering from manic depression (episodes of mania). ECT is usually done on a regular basis with frequency depending on the doctor's direction.
The treatment options used will be part of the treatment plan designed by the doctor and the elderly individual. The medication and other therapies are wonderful tools for dealing with depression but the most important key for success revolves around the elderly individuals ability to develop coping skills and a good support network.
