Elderly Depression

In old aged people depression is the most common psychiatric disorder. Approximately 15% old people above age of 65 suffer from depression. Most of the time depression in elderly people remains untreated because it is misdiagnosed as other diseases and symptoms. There are higher chances of suicide in old people as compared to young people because of depression.

What are Causes of Elderly Depression?

• Medication - Certain drugs can trigger depression in elderly individuals.
  
• Illness - Because of increased age some diseases occur and because of this disorder individual may fill depressed.
  
• Accidental events - Lost of loved one or any serious problem responsible for depression.
  
• Loneliness - Loneliness occur because of retirement, inability for some activities or changes in life which leads to depression.
  
• Physical factors - Factors like heredity, continuous pain, and diseases like cancer or heart diseases lead to depression.

Sign and Symptoms of Elderly Depression

Symptoms of depression in elderly people are different for different individuals. Below are some common symptoms mentioned which are found in old aged people.

1. Constant sadness
   
2. Somatic complaints
   
3. Cognitive impairment
   
4. Fatigue
   
5. Loss of appetite
   
6. Suicidal feelings or suicidal attempts
   
7. Sleeping problems
   
8. Social withdrawal and loss of interest

Treatment for Elderly Depression

• Medications - Antidepressant are mostly used to treat depression. Medicines along with psychotherapy work best to cure depression.
  
• Psychotherapy - In psychotherapy professional health care helps depressed person to overcome from depression by interacting with patients and discussing their problems.
  
• Other diseases - Previous diseases which are also present in depressed person is treated first because may times this disease gives depression.
  
• Electroconvulsive therapy - When all other methods don’t help for treating depression then electroconvulsive therapy is applied.
  
• Diet - Diet of old men should be rich in nutrients, minerals and vitamins because some time deficiency in these things may lead to depression.

• Stye
• Disease condition f
• Dysuria urethral syndrome
• Adrenoleukodystrophy
• Arthritis
• Reyes syndrome
• Mmr
• Loosing balance
• Membranous glomerulonephritis
• Bacid

Health Tip

Brushing your teeth immediately after dinner can help resist the evening-snack urge. The minty toothpaste flavour signals that eating is over for the day.