Depression In The Elderly Is Complicated But Treatable, From The Harvard Mental Health Letter

Depression is sometimes
viewed as a normal part of aging. It shouldn't be. Left untreated,
depression increases the likelihood of disability, placement in a nursing
home, and death. Suicide risk also increases with age; white men over age
85 have the highest suicide rate in the United States. Depression in the
elderly can often be treated effectively, but when depressive symptoms
arise, it can be challenging not to mistake them for symptoms of another
medical disorder, reports the February 2008 issue of the Harvard Mental
Health Letter.



Although some elderly people with depression develop classic symptoms
such as persistent sadness and despair, others may seek help for less
typical symptoms such as heart palpitations, fatigue, tremors, or vomiting.
People may also report cognitive problems such as an inability to
concentrate or remember things.



It's not entirely clear why symptoms of depression in the elderly may
differ from those in younger adults. Coexisting medical problems,
medication side effects, and the natural aging process may all contribute.



Dr. Michael Miller, editor in chief of the Harvard Mental Health
Letter, notes that it's important for doctors who suspect depression in an
elderly patient to assess the person's physical health problems and
medications to determine whether these might be contributing to depressive
symptoms. In some people, treating an underlying medical problem will
alleviate depression, but other patients will require antidepressant
medications (starting at half the dose used in younger adults),
psychotherapy, or both. While it may take some time to determine the best
treatment strategy for a particular individual, the reward is often a
better quality of life.


Harvard Mental Health Letter

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