Depression in the over 65 age group is a common disorder and one that has not received enough studies to date. The group that has the least chance for recover is those who are 75 or older and are depressed. The biggest reason for lack of recovery is that the majority of the elderly individuals who are depressed are those who do not seek treatment for their depression.
A sampling of depressed individual s of advanced age showed that the average age was 71.8 years. A higher percentage of elderly depressed individuals are female.
Elderly white males over the age of 65 tend to get depression more than white females and are at higher risk for depression related suicide. The risk is twice that of the general population.
The prognosis for individuals of advanced age who suffer from depression depends on several factors such as whether or not they have a support network already in place at the time of depression, if they seek out medical evaluation, and also on whether or not they receive treatment and follow the treatment plan.
Seeking treatment is tough for many elderly as the very symptoms that suggest they need help are the very ones that make them feel isolated and afraid to seek the help. This is where concerned family members, friends, and acquaintances can be of assistance to them; encouraging them to seek medical aid.
There are certain risk factors for depression that have a special concern for those who are 65 or older. These risk factors not only determine if they are at risk for depression but may also control their recovery as well. Depression puts them at a higher risk for serious or chronic diseases such as arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson's disease, and also stroke. The prognosis each of these disease carries with it will influence greatly the outcome of the elderly person's health and mental outlook. Support is the single greatest factor in whether or not the individual will have the tools to cope with both depression and disease.
Prognosis for those with depression is not only dependent on support and whether or not they have any additional disease it can also be influenced by the medications they are given, whether or not they live alone, have any chemical abuse presently active or have access to good healthcare including adequate pharmaceutical support. Inability to pay for medications is one determining factor that the elderly seldom has control over. Assistance may be needed from governmental agencies or the community in order for them to get back and forth from doctor appointments, to get their prescriptions filled and to pay for the medications. Often times it is the medical forms that they need help filling out and sending in to the companies.
Another factor regarding the prognosis of the depressed elderly individual is whether or not there has been a past history of depression or suicide attempt on their part. If the answer is yes, for either situation the risks are higher that the prognosis is not good.
