Older people are less likely than other age groups
to report depression and may not acknowledge being sad, down or depressed.
Depression in old age often goes undetected and may be wrongly attributed
to age, dementia or poor health.
Signs of depression in adults over 65 can include unexplained physical
symptoms, memory loss, and various behavioural changes.
Causes of depression in old age will vary according to when the depression
was first experienced. If depression was first experienced earlier in
life, genetic, personality and life experiences will be likely causes,
whereas if the depression is first developed later in life, physical
health problems may be the cause.
Social isolation and loneliness commonly accompany depression in
adults over 65.
Untreated depression in old age has many adverse effects.
Treatments for depression in old age are similar to those for other
age groups but can be different in the way they're applied.
Age does not reduce the effectiveness of treatments for depression.
Lifestyle changes in mid-life may be the key to preventing depression
in old age.
Your General Practitioner is the best first port of call if you're
over 65 and experiencing depression.
American
Association of Geriatric Psychiatry - This is the premier American organisation
of psychiatrists that treat older people. They have a good page about dealing
with depression in old age with a particular focus about what to do during
holidays.
