Elderly Depression and Mental Illness
Senior Citizens, Suicide Rates and Depressive Episodes
Sep 25, 2009
Elderly depression is all too common. The estimated rate of geriatric depression ranges from one to five percent of the senior population (anyone over the age of 65). Senior depression rates are higher in geriatric hospital patients (11.5 percent) and highest in seniors who require in home healthcare (13.5 percent).
Senior depression is not a natural consequence of aging. While some risk factors for depression do increase with age, senior citizens do not have to suffer with depression symptoms. Effective treatment for depression is available.
Symptoms of Elderly Depression
Symptoms of senior depression are, for the most part, similar to symptoms in younger adults. There are, however, a few differences. A senior suffering from depression may show any of the following signs:
- changes in sleep patterns
- difficulty concentrating
- excessive worrying (about finance, health or other stressors)
- feeling worthless
- frequent crying
- neglecting personal appearance
- pacing and/or fidgeting
- pain, stomach problems or other physical symptoms
- persistent sadness
- weight changes
- withdrawing from social activities.
When asked about their symptoms, seniors may respond that they have little energy, feel old or sick or “couldn’t be bothered.” Many senior citizens have misconceptions about depression, and may remember times (not so long ago) when mental illness was considered a social stigma or a sign of weakness. This leads some seniors to hide symptoms of depression.
Senior Depression Triggers
Depression symptoms can develop with no obvious cause, or there may be an event that acts as a catalyst for the depressive episode. Elderly depression, for instance, may develop in response to the following events:
- chronic/serious illness
- death of spouse/life partner/old friends
- loss of mobility
- loss of vision/hearing
- moving to nursing home/extended care facility.
Please remember that this list is hardly exhaustive. Individuals have unique responses to depression triggers, and no two people react to the same stressful event in exactly the same way.
Loss of independence is a common cause of geriatric depression. Seniors requiring at home eldercare or hospitalization are at especially high risk of depression, and should be monitored for signs of depressive episodes.
Depression in the wake of a loved one’s death may be mistaken for grieving. When a healthy person grieves, he or she is still able to perform daily tasks and function. Depression symptoms make normal functioning impossible.
Depression and Suicide Rates in Senior Citizens
The risk of suicide in the elderly is high. Teenagers and young adults are usually considered to have the highest risk of suicide. This isn’t the case. Non-Hispanic white males over the age of 80 have the highest rate of successful suicide in the U.S., with a risk of suicide six times higher than the general population. Learning to identify signs of suicidal behavior can help family members of depressed seniors prevent tragedy.
Suicide risk amongst the elderly is affected by ethnicity. A 2004 survey revealed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention broke down the number of suicides per 100,000 people:
- Asian/Pacific Islander: 10.6 suicides per 100,000
- Blacks (non-Hispanic): 5 suicides per 100,000
- Hispanics: 7.9 suicides per 100,000
- Whites (non-Hispanic): 15.8 suicides per 100,000.
Seniors and Depression Treatment
Senior citizens respond to the same depression medication and therapy as other age groups. Given that the elderly often take multiple medications it is very important that their health care provider have a complete list of medications prior to prescribing antidepressants (this list should include over-the-counter medication and herbal/dietary supplements).
Elderly depression may benefit from group depression therapy, especially since group therapy involves social interaction, which many depressed seniors may have been avoiding. Geriatric psychologists are also available and bring an understanding of elder issues to treatment that can be invaluable when dealing with elderly depression.
Resources
Geriatric Mental Health Foundation. (Retrieved 19 September, 2009). Depression in Late Life: Not a Natural Part of Aging
National Institute of Mental Health. (Retrieved 19 September, 2009). Older Adults: Depression and Suicide Facts
Disclaimer: The information contained within this article is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute in any way for care and treatment by a qualified health professional.
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