15% of persons over 65 will experience depression at some point in their later years, despite the fact that it is not a typical aspect of ageing. Geriatric depression, in contrast to brief mood swings or transient seasonal blues, can endure for an extended length of time and affect a person’s capacity to function in day-to-day activities. For more information on Geriatric depression, consult with an Best Therapist in India at TalktoAngel.

A melancholy mood in older persons can have a poor effect on their general health and quality of life, regardless of the cause—whether it has to do with mental disorders, cognitive impairment, a physical ailment, or a family history of these types of problems with deteriorating health. Knowing the symptoms of depression and seeking therapy can help an elderly patient avoid late-life complications and live comfortably. 

Older people experience depression in a different way from younger people. In senior people, depression commonly co-exists with different medical illnesses and disabilities and lasts longer.

Depression in elderly people is linked to a higher risk of heart disease and mortality from illness. Depression also hinders an elderly person’s capacity for rehabilitation. Depression considerably increases the probability of dying from physical problems, according to studies of nursing home residents. A increased chance of passing away after a heart attack has also been linked to depression. Therefore, it’s vital to make sure an older adult you are concerned about is evaluated and treated, even if the depression is moderate.

What is Geriatric Depression?

A persistent mental health disorder that affects older people and can interfere with daily activities is geriatric depression. Elderly patients frequently struggle with depression, which can also be caused by unrelated medical issues. Because depression is a mental illness, it must be diagnosed and treated by a licensed medical professional.

For a variety of reasons, it may be challenging for older persons to identify geriatric depression. They could find it challenging to express what they are feeling. Even if they are able to discuss it, they might not be able to see that it has become entrenched.

There is also no set of diagnostic procedures that can conclusively detect whether or not an aged patient is experiencing geriatric depression by looking at, for example, blood samples. The majority of symptoms are mostly reported verbally.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that older people lived through a time when depression wasn’t widely known and wasn’t even considered a real mental health problem. Because of this, older persons may be reluctant to disclose depressive symptoms for fear of stigmatization or being called “crazy.”

Symptoms

Geriatric depression can worsen an existing medical condition, result in impairment, and even cause a premature death, including suicide, if left untreated. It is crucial to be able to identify the warning signs and symptoms of depression in older persons as well as the risk factors that may cause them to experience depression in later life.

It is quite possible that older individuals lack the overt signs of depression. They might instead:

• Feel exhausted and can’t sleep
• Be sour or agitated
• Feel perplexed
• Lack enjoyment for activities they used to 
• Drastic increase or decrease in appetite and weight
• Feel worthless, dreadful, or guilty.
• Endure pains and discomfort
• Possess suicidal ideas

Treatment

Major depression can develop even when depressed symptoms are diagnosed early and a treatment plan is in place. There are several possible causes for this. Geriatric depression can sometimes make other medical issues worse, delaying healing and making daily life more painful and uncomfortable. Others have a more pessimistic outlook as a result of bereavement and other emotional states.

It is increasingly likely that these events will lead to serious depression as they accumulate. When someone has severe depression, their quality of life keeps deteriorating and transforms into a disruptive force that may seem inevitable or permanent.

Certain lifestyle modifications, such as picking up a new interest, getting more active, eating healthily, and spending more time with friends and family, can help manage mild kinds of depression. However, a high Geriatric Depression Scale score may suggest serious depression, necessitating the consideration of more cutting-edge therapy. These might be mentioned:

Medication- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MOIs), bupropion, and mirtazapine are just a few of the prescription drugs that are frequently used to treat depression.

Psychotherapy – Enables patients to fully explore what they are going through so they can identify it and learn coping mechanisms.

ECT- With patients who are also experiencing psychosis, who refuse to eat, or who have suicidal thoughts, electroconvulsive therapy can help modify brain chemistry and treat serious depression.

Most sad people believe that getting aid from friends and family, joining self-help and support groups, and getting therapy are all helpful. Psychotherapy will be most helpful for those who have had major life events, such as the death of friends or family members, moving, or health problems, as well as those who would prefer not to take medication and only have mild to moderate symptoms. It also helps those who are unable to take medications because of side effects, drug interactions, or other medical issues.Through psychotherapy, older people can address the functional and social impacts of depression in a variety of ways. Doctors usually recommend psychotherapy in addition to antidepressant drugs. Feel free to take help from an Best therapist near me at TalktoAngel regarding the Geriatric depression.