Who
have been found effective with older adults as well.
Everyone gets down in the dumps now and then, but
being seriously depressed for an extended period of
time - more than two weeks - can have devastating
consequences for older adults.
Aging is not directly related to depression but many
factors can aggravate depression with seniors. Such
cases of depression at old age always arise from
difficult changes in life like serious illnesses and
health problems, living in nursing homes(lack of
social support),living independently(social isolation),
having no help from family members, death of a
spouse or a close relative, and certainly loss of a
career.
Symptoms
By recognizing signs of depression, seniors can seek
the help they need to overcome the condition and
live longer and happier lives. Here are some of the
symptoms:
 Sadness
 Fatigue
 Loss of concern in pleasing activities and
hobbies
 Social withdrawal and isolation (lack of
enthusiasm and interest)
 Weight loss, lack of appetite
 Concentrating problems
 Troubles in sleeping
 Low self esteem (feeling worthless)
 Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
 Attempts of suicide.
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Complications
Depression deteriorates an older person’s experience
of medical problems and makes it harder for them to
recover from problems. People are less active and
independent when depressed which can lead to
declines in physical condition, more disability and a
slower cure.
 Depression increases the risk of death in older adults
by 2 to 3 times and is the most important factor
associated with suicide in old age.
Why is Depression under-treated
among seniors?
Depression can be hard to detect in older adults
because older adults are often reluctant to admit to
psychological symptoms or difficulties and are more
likely to report physical symptoms. Also, the myth
that it is normal for older adults to feel some amount
of depression may result in true cases of clinical
depression being overlooked.
Psychology in treating depression
Psychological treatments used with younger adults
In particular, cognitive behavior therapy,
interpersonal therapy, problem-solving therapy and
reminiscence therapy are effective treatments.
 
 Cognitive-behavior therapy helps clients
understand the interactions among
thoughts, feelings and behavior and how
negative ways of thinking affect behavior
and mood – so causing or maintaining
depression.
 Interpersonal therapy helps to work through
depression by focusing on current stresses
and challenges in interpersonal relationships
– these can include conflicts with other
people, changes in roles and activity, and a
lack of social support.
 Problem-solving therapy helps the
depressed person cope with current
difficulties, such as managing a health
condition or adjusting to living in a nursing
home, by developing effective problem-
solving skills.
 Reminiscence therapy helps clients work
through depression by revisiting past and
pleasant times, rediscovering coping skills,
and finding meaning by re-evaluating good
and bad aspects of their lives.
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These psychological treatments are safe and effective  http://helpguide.org/mental/depression
alternatives to drug therapy for mild to moderate _elderly.htm#
depression. Combined drug and psychological
treatment is usually recommended for severe
Depression among Seniors
depression.
   http://www.cpa.ca/publications/yourhe Recognizing the Signs and Getting Help
However, research does not conclusively show that althpsychologyworksfactsheets/depressi
the combination of treatments works better than
either drug treatment or psychological treatment
onamongseniors/
alone.
 
Psychological treatments are of particular importance
for people who are unable to, or uninterested in,  http://www.4elders.org/tips/articles/de
taking medications. pression.htm

 http://seniorliving.about.com/od/senior
depression/a/senior_depress.htm

Bahaa Stephanos
900062165
October 2009
PSYCH 201
Source Anne Justus

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