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Depression - elderly

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Treatment:

Sometimes depression can be alleviated by social interventions to help with isolation or loneliness such as group outings, volunteer work for the healthy elderly, or regular visits from concerned people.

Treatment of underlying medical conditions or the discontinuation of certain medications may alleviate symptoms.

Antidepressant drug therapy has been shown to increase quality of life in depressed elderly patients. These medications are carefully monitored for side effects, and doses are usually lower and increased more slowly than in younger adults.

Neuroleptic medications may help treat agitation in some individuals. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be indicated in the severely depressed if other measures are unsuccessful.

Expectations (prognosis):

If detected, depression may respond to medical treatment. Undetected, it may lead to complications. The outcome is usually worse for those who have limited access to social services, or to family or friends who can help promote an interest in activities.

Complications:

Depression may be complicated by Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. It may also complicate other medical conditions in the elderly. Untreated depression in the elderly is associated with a high rate of suicide.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you are feeling worthless or hopeless or if you are crying frequently. Also call if you feel that you are having difficulty coping with stresses in your life and want a referral for counseling.

Go to the nearest emergency room or call your local emergency number (such as 911) if you are having thoughts of suicide (taking your own life).

If you are caring for an aging family member and think they might be suffering from depression, contact their health care provider. Often, older patients will not admit to signs and symptoms of depression out of pride.

• Review Date: 10/17/2005
• Reviewed By: Christos Ballas, M.D., Attending Psychiatrist, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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