Older adults are at an increased risk of developing depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, depression affects between one and five percent of the elderly population in the United States, and the number rises up to 13.5% in those who require home health care or hospitalization.
Despite its prevalence, it’s important to understand that depression is not a normal part of getting older. Unfortunately, many people believe depression in older adults is a natural response to the aging process, or an expected result of age-related illness. However, older adults who struggle with depression require proper diagnosis and treatment so they can experience an improved quality of life.
Causes and risk factors for depression in older adults
Genetics, brain chemistry, and a history of trauma can contribute to depression in people of all ages. But older adults are at a greater risk of depression due to their unique circumstances. Risk factors for depression in older adults include:
Misdiagnosis
All too often, the symptoms of depression in older adults go undetected because they’re attributed to other causes, such as medications or physical illnesses. Furthermore, older adults frequently don’t ask for help with their depression symptoms because they don’t understand that treatment can help them feel better.
Co-occurring illnesses
Chronic conditions and acute diseases can trigger or exacerbate the symptoms of depression. Many elderly people suffer from illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease, which can mask or complicate a depression diagnosis.
Vascular depression
Sometimes, older adults who develop major depressive disorder late in life with no personal or family history of the condition may be suffering from vascular depression. This is often caused by a condition called ischemia, which restricts blood flow to the organs, including the brain. People with vascular depression are at an increased risk of other illnesses, such as heart disease or stroke.
Recognizing symptoms of depression in older adults
Older adults struggling with depression will experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and pessimism for weeks at a time. However, this may not always be their main symptom. They may also exhibit some of the following behaviors:
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Overeating or loss of appetite
- Loss of interest in once-beloved activities or hobbies
- Constant aches and pains
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
Because these symptoms often overlap with co-occurring illnesses, it can be difficult to obtain a proper diagnosis. If you suspect an older loved one is struggling with depression, make sure they have a complete evaluation from a licensed and experienced psychotherapist.
Treatments for depression in older adults
Though depression is a serious mental health condition, it is also highly treatable. No treatment plan is one-size-fits-all, and sometimes a trial-and-error approach is necessary to find the one that works for you. Most cases of depression can be effectively treated with some combination of the following:
- Psychotherapy
Ongoing focused talk therapy with a mental health professional can help uncover the underlying reasons for depression, modify behaviors to improve mood, and help patients develop coping skills for their symptoms.
- Medication
Antidepressants have long been used to address the symptoms of major depressive disorder. Not everyone responds to antidepressants in the same way, and it can take some experimentation to find medication that produces the desired result.
- Support groups
Group therapy can be an effective method of treating depression in the elderly. Social support networks provide much-needed connections for older adults who may feel isolated and misunderstood.
New treatments for depression are being developed all the time with the help of clinical trials. Clinical trials offer cutting-edge medications and therapies not yet available to the general public and help research scientists advance their knowledge.
Enroll in a depression clinical trial at Synergy Research Centers
At Synergy Research Centers, we’re currently conducting clinical research studies for patients with major depression. By participating in one of our studies, you can gain access to the latest treatments for clinical depression while learning more about the disease and yourself.
If you or someone you love is struggling with the symptoms of depression, call Synergy Research Centers at (888) 539-0282 to find out if you qualify for one of our clinical trials.