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May 26, 2019 | Health | By Lisa Smith
Depression amidst seniors is common but it is not normal. It occurs due to different reasons but can be dealt with. Read on to find out more.
Seniors often suffer from depression not only because they are alone or have just witnessed something traumatic like the passing away of a loved one or an accident but due to other conditions as well. These are:
A doctor can, with the help of series of questions, diagnose depression in seniors. They should, in fact, routinely screen for depression when a senior is visiting for a general check-up or for a check-up for a chronic illness.
When antidepressants are being suggested to a senior patient the doctor must be careful. This is because there is always the chance of it adversely reacting with other medicines that he might be already taking for other ailments. Also, usually elders are more sensitive to medicines and so a lower dose is prescribed. For example, the antidepressant amitriptyline has a sedating effect and can cause confusion or a sudden fall in blood pressure. If you are taking care of a senior who has just begun taking antidepressants then remember that it might take longer to show its effect than it would in a younger person. Antidepressants can take anywhere between 2 to 4 weeks to start showing its effect. Usually better sleep and improved concentration begins to happen before mood upliftment starts.
Psychotherapy is useful for those seniors who have recently witnessed trauma in their life like the death of a near one, a major accident, home relocations etc. It is also beneficial for those who are unable to take medicines due to other health complications and show only mild symptoms to depression. For some the sessions are short and last for 10 to 20 weeks while, for others, it can be for a longer period. One type of psychotherapy is called cognitive behavioural therapy. In this talking is used as the therapy mode and focuses on changing the negative thought process of the patient. Another type is known as interpersonal therapy. In this the patient works with the doctor in trying to analyse his reason for depression and then trying to find out a solution to it.
Electroconvulsive therapy is useful when the senior patient is unable to take the antidepressant medicines due to other complications and chronic illnesses. It is also used for those who show extreme symptoms of depression as well as suicidal tendencies. Sometimes brain stimulation like repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is also used by doctors.
Which treatment the doctor chooses ultimately depends on the severity of the depression, other treatments that the patent is currently receiving, and his age.
Insomnia is often one of the effects of depression. To treat this, doctors recommend avoiding exposure to benzodiazepines drugs like Ativan, Xanax etc. This is because these drugs can lead to further complications like reduced alertness, respiratory issues etc. Instead it is treated with the hormone melatonin or antidepressants like Remeron that help with sedation as well.
Depression not a normal part of growing old. It is a real illness and can even lead to death amidst seniors. Since depression, in seniors, can co-occur with other illnesses it can make the situation graver if not treated on time. Hence, if you know of an elder who is in depression, immediate treatment should be begun.