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Depression in the Elderly

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Introduction

Depression may be defined as a mood disorder that makes the victim lose interest in

activities and have a plug of sadness. More often than not, depression is mistaken for mood

fluctuations, but the two are pretty different. It is significant to note that depression is not a

passing problem but an ongoing one. Depression comes in several types, including bipolar

disorder, persistent depressive disorder, postpartum disorder, psychotic disorder, and lastly, a

major depressive disorder with sensational patterns (Rhoda, walker & Carter, 2011). Depression

in older people is quite common. It affects approximately 6 million Americans under the age

bracket of 65 years and above, but only 10% seek and get treatment. The risk of depression in

older people may be facilitated by factors such as being female, single, divorced, or widowed,

stressful life events, and lack of a supportive social network (Rhoda, walker & Carter, 2011).

Depression in older people is quite different from what is witnessed in young people.

This can be explained by the fact that it tags along with other medical illnesses such as stroke,

diabetes, cardiac arrests, and blood pressure in older people. More common is that depression

puts older people at the risk of getting a cardiac arrest. It has been linked with the death of older

people (Fielden, 1992). The symptoms manifesting in older people may not be obvious, but they

cannot go unnoticed either way. To identify a more aged individual suffering from depression,

one has to look out for the following symptoms,

a) They often complain from fatigue even in the absence of tiresome tasks

b) Several suffer from insomnia, which is they have trouble getting to sleep.

c) They may often be irritable at slight provocation

d) They lose interest in some of the activities they used to enjoy.

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e) There is a noticeable change in their weight or appetite patterns

f) They may experience a sense of hopelessness, guilt, or worthlessness, which at times may lead

to suicidal thoughts if not treated. The suicide rate is higher in older men than women, with the

National Institute of Mental health considering it a major public problem. Through a series of

standard questions, one is capable of checking for depression. Alternatively, DSM05 criteria may

be helpful in the identification of late-life depression.

Consequences of depression in the elderly

Surprisingly, older adults suffering from clinical depression are less likely to seek

medical attention. Once left untreated, older adults suffering from depression are at significant

risk of developing chronic effects. Some of the products include.

i. Deterioration of their emotional well being

According to the national institute of mental health, older people suffering from clinical

depression lack control over their emotions if left untreated. They often experience mood

fluctuations that throw them off their feelings. This eventually takes a toll on their emotional

well-being.

ii. Medical complications

As earlier discussed in the first paragraph, depression puts older people at risk of cardiac

arrest. In addition, if an older person has other underlying conditions, their medical state is likely

to worsen if they have clinical depression.

iii. Suicidal thoughts and behavior

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Suicidal thoughts may be related to their deterioration of emotional well-being (Greenlee

& Hyde, 2014). At this particular point, they cannot control emotions such as sadness, guilt, and

a sense of hopelessness. It makes them feel like there is nothing left for them per se, resulting in

one ending their life.

iv. Substance abuse

While this may not be common to many older people, a large number of them resort to

substance abuse to clear their minds off the depressive thoughts. Alcohol is the most abused

substance by older people (Rao & Roche, 2017).

v. An increase in morbidity

Behaviors suggesting the need for therapy.

Behaviors suggesting the need for therapy may be termed as help-seeking are a part of

the symptoms that one should pay close attention to. They include constant complains of pains,

fatigue, persistent headaches, several diffuse symptoms, insomnia, weight loss and

gastrointestinal distress, an increase in morbidity and irritability, especially at slight provocation.

Therapy recommendation

Generally, an effective approach towards late-life depression may be achieved in three

aspects, recognizing the risk factors, detection and conduction of an assessment. For diagnosis

purposes, the Cornell and depression scale may be of great help. On the other hand, management

may involve a recommendation of either psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy. Depending on the

intensity of the case, a professional may recommend either. Under the umbrella of

psychotherapies, cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy and problem-solving

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therapy prove to be the most effective. On the other hand, under pharmacotherapy different

classes of anti-depressants have proved effective and so are 5he adjuvant medics. However, a

setback to reckon with under pharmacotherapy are the side effects which needs to be c0nsidered

especially for the patients with other underlying conditions (Pigg & Renard, 2013).

In light of the above discussion, it is most likely that a professional would recommend

psychotherapy for an older adult suffering from clinical depression. The rationale behind this

includes the age of the older adults, their medical condition s and most importantly their response

to drugs. The method herein has no adverse side effects as compared to pharmacotherapy.
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References

Greenlee, K., & Hyde, P. (2014). Suicide and Depression in Older Adults: Greater

Awareness Can Prevent Tragedy. <i>Generations: Journal of the American Society on Aging23-

26. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26556053

FIELDEN, M. (1992). Depression in Older Adults: Psychological and Psychosocial

Approaches. The British Journal of Social Work (3), 291-307.

http://www.jstor.org/stable/23709314

O'Connell, H., Chin, A., Cunningham, C., & Lawlor, B. (2004). Recent Developments:

Suicide In Older People. <i>BMJ: British Medical Journal,</i> <i>329</i>(7471), 895-899.

Pigg, B., & Renard, F. (2013). THE ELDERLY AND DEPRESSION. <i>The American

Journal of Nursing, 13-13.

Rao, R., & Roche, A. (2017). Substance misuse in older people. <i>BMJ: British Medical

Journal, 358.

Rodda, J., Walker, Z., & Carter, J. (2011). Depression in older adults. <i>BMJ: British

Medical Journal (7825), 683-687. Retrieved August 8, 2021, from

http://www.jstor.org/stable/23051180