Treating Depression by Addressing What Stresses the Elderly
Some common causes for depression in the elderly are pain, heredity, chronic health problems such as cancer, the fear of dying, loss of those who are in the same age group as they are, changes in their life, feelings of not achieving lifetime goals, coming with being alone for the first time, loss of self-confidence or self esteem, and also depression triggered by medication.
Tossing down a medication dose alone isn't going to rid an elderly person of their depression if the cause of their depression still exists. Getting to the root of their depression can be achieved during interpersonal therapy sessions. There are many possible causes for an elderly person's depression including physical, emotional, and medical issues. As the body ages the risk increases for chronic disease, decreased mobility, impaired cognitive ability and greater experiences with losses that can trigger both sadness and loneliness. When more than one of these causes is present, than the risk for depression greatly increases for the elderly person who is often times hesitant to seek medical help.
Some common causes for depression in the elderly are pain, heredity, chronic health problems such as cancer, the fear of dying, loss of those who are in the same age group as they are, changes in their life, feelings of not achieving lifetime goals, coming with being alone for the first time, loss of self-confidence or self esteem, and also depression triggered by medication.
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They can have thoughts of suicide or think or speak often of death. They may even take action or make attempts at dying by suicide.
Depression is a mood disorder that although it is not curable, it is treatable and the person who has it can manage the disorder effectively so that the potential is there for a full and meaningful life.
Elderly Depression
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When the elderly person is seen in the medical office complaining of feeling sad, lonely, fearful of dying, or feeling unworthy of living, or having symptoms of confusion or not eating; the physician needs to pay special attention and should not try to jump to the conclusion that these expressions are just normal age-related problems. Depression is actually quite common in the elderly age group with as many as 1/3 of elderly individuals experiencing depression. Have we become a society where hearing someone say they are sad or lonely is commonplace? Individuals who are in positions that bring them into contact with the elderly need to really listen to what they say and pay attention to how they act so that they can pick up on early clues that depression may be something that is being manifested in the elderly person. Once depression is suspected a thorough evaluation from a qualified medical professional should be conducted as soon as possible so that the diagnosis of depression can be made or ruled out.
Treatment should address all of the symptoms including physical, mental and emotional symptoms. If the underlying cause is not addressed during the treatment plan than the depression is likely to resurface at a later date when medication or therapy is stopped and the cause is still present in the life of the elderly individual.
Interpersonal therapy can address the psychological and personality factors that may exist so that support systems can be put into place to continue on a regular basis even after medication maintenance is stopped.
Community support groups are springing up in most locations to help address senior issues such as mobility needs daily living task support and meal preparation. Health care professionals are being better trained to treat not just the physical needs of the elderly patient but to look beyond the physical body to discover the mental or emotional needs as well.
Current Facts About Elderly Depression
09/03/2010
Reduction in time of arrival of emergency services by 10 minutes could reduce risk of death by one-third
Spanish researchers have calculated the probability of dying in road accidents on the basis of the time taken for the emergency services to arrive. Their conclusions are clear - reducing the time between an accident taking place and the arrival of the emergency services from 25 to 15 minutes would cut the risk of death by one-third.
Reduction in time of arrival of emergency services by 10 minutes could reduce risk of death by one-third
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SIDS rate down in NJ
The number of babies dying from sudden infant death syndrome has dropped significantly in New Jersey, far outpacing the decline nationwide, according to a new report from the SIDS Center of New Jersey.
SIDS rate down in NJ
09/02/2010
SIDS rate down in NJ
The number of babies dying from sudden infant death syndrome has dropped significantly in New Jersey, far outpacing the decline nationwide, according to a new report from the SIDS Center of New Jersey.
SIDS rate down in NJ
09/03/2010
On Spanish Roads, Just 10 Minutes Could Prevent One-Third Of Deaths
Spanish researchers have calculated the probability of dying in road accidents on the basis of the time taken for the emergency services to arrive. Their conclusions are clear - reducing the time between an accident taking place and the arrival of the emergency services from 25 to 15 minutes would cut the risk of death by one-third. "The average wait after an accident until the emergency medical ...
On Spanish Roads, Just 10 Minutes Could Prevent One-Third Of Deaths
09/02/2010
Prison Aids/TB death toll a concern
Severe overcrowding in KwaZulu-Natal's prisons is contributing to the spread of HIV and tuberculosis and driving the high death toll in prisons, says the Correctional Services Department.
Prison Aids/TB death toll a concern
08/31/2010
Dying poacher confesses
A dying rhino poacher was promised R10 000 to kill rhinos, the Anti-Poaching Unit said.
Dying poacher confesses
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