Understanding Geriatric Depression: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Geriatric (elderly) depression is a treatable mood disorder encompassing feelings of sadness that affect sleep, appetite, energy and confidence. Depression in the aging population is a serious and often undiagnosed medical condition.

Misconceptions

• Symptoms in the elderly go unnoticed because of deteriorating expectations regarding activity level. Depression is not normal at any age and requires treatment.

Considerations

• Aging patients have likely lost many family members. They suffer from a decreased support system and are prone to geriatric depression.

Treatment

• Treating geriatric depression with medication can require starting with lower doses tailored according to the patient's medical history. Treatment with counseling is beneficial, since it provides a supportive environment and can be used along with medication or when medication is not appropriate.

Potential

• Depression is likely to accompany illnesses associated with aging, such as stroke, heart disease and cancer, and can have a negative impact on recovery.

Warning

• According to the Mayo Clinic, the suicide rate for males over 85 is five times the national average.

Prevention/Solution

• Risks for depression increase with social isolation, financial concerns, health issues and bereavement. Unfortunately, these are inevitable with aging. Discuss treatment options with a physician when sadness, loneliness and worry interfere with enjoying life