Depression in the Elderly
Many elderly adults face significant life changes and stressors that put them at risk for depression. Those at the highest risk include older adults with a personal or family history of depression, failing health, substance abuse problems, or inadequate social support. Depression occurs 35 times more often in senior citizens than in younger generations.
Causes and risk factors that contribute to depression in the elderly include:
· Loneliness and isolation – Living alone; a dwindling social circle due to deaths or relocation; decreased mobility due to illness or loss of driving privileges.
· Reduced sense of purpose - Feelings of purposelessness or loss of identity due to retirement or physical limitations on activities.
· Health problems – Illness and disability; chronic or severe pain; cognitive decline; damage to body image due to surgery or disease.
· Medications – Many prescription medications can trigger or exacerbate depression.
· Fears – Fear of death or dying; anxiety over financial problems or health issues.
· Recent bereavement - The death of friends, family members, and pets; the loss of a spouse or partner.
Here are some signs and symptoms of depression in the elderly that you should know about:
· Sadness
· Fatigue
· Abandoning or losing interest in hobbies or other pleasurable pastimes
· Social withdrawal and isolation (reluctance to be with friends, engage in activities, or leave home)
· Weight loss; loss of appetite
· Sleep disturbances (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, oversleeping, or daytime sleepiness)
· Loss of self-worth (worries about being a burden, feelings of worthlessness, self-loathing)
· Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
· Fixation on death; suicidal thoughts or attempts
Add comment March 2nd, 2009
