Depression In Older Adults

Depression is not a homogeneous diagnosis. It changes according to the specific characteristics and context of each person. Factors such as age group, gender and socioeconomic level affect how depression manifests itself. For example, when children have depression, they tend to be more irritable or angry than sad. Children also tend to show more physical symptoms of depression and sleep problems.

Epidemiological data show that depression in older adults also has some unique characteristics. Therefore, it is ineffective to offer a general treatment for all patients.

Signs of depression in older adults are sometimes interpreted as just a normal part of aging, which means that said signs are not addressed. Not only that, but the medications commonly used to treat depression are not always the best choices for older adults.

Many older adults living in nursing homes suffer from clinical depression. It is difficult for many of them to explain their symptoms. They usually describe them as somatic ailments. Thus, older adults with depression often complain that they have trouble sleeping, lack of energy, pain and ailments, etc. The overlap between physical illness and depression means that healthcare professionals often misdiagnose patients.

Characteristics of depression in older adults

• Prolonged depressive episodes that cannot be treated with conventional medication.
• Older adults with depression do not express feelings of uselessness or guilt as middle-aged adults do.

• Alexityemia, or inability to verbally express emotions, is more common.
• Older adults with depression often suffer from hallucinations and delusions.
• Negative symptoms such as apathy, flat affect, lack of eye contact or lack of reaction to the environment.
• Physical symptoms that obscure mental symptoms such as anorexia, phobias, hypochondria and anxiety.
• Higher risk of suicide, especially in men living alone.
• Psychomotor agitation with intense anxiety or atypical inhibition.
• Irritability.
• Significant sleep problems, especially disorders such as insomnia or hypersomnia.
• Frequent anxious somatizations.
• Minor variation in mood during the day.
• Cognitive dysfunction, which is related to the intensity of the rest of the symptoms and tends to improve as the mood improves. In older adults, executive functions and memory are most affected.

The importance of a support network for older adults with depression

Prevention of depression in elderly patients is crucial. To that end, researchers Lowenthal and Haven conducted a study that showed how important it is for older adults to have a confidant. Having social support not only improved the mental health of older adults, but also their physical well-being.

Older adults with a social support network have a reduced mortality rate compared to those who are more isolated. Studies show that there is a significant link between social support networks (marriage, interpersonal relationships, satisfaction with the environment, etc.) and reduced risk of heart disease.

Not only that, but having a social support network means that older adults are more likely to take care of their own health and adhere to medical treatment plans. Satisfactory conditions in old age increase immune competence and regulate stress.

Loneliness increases the risk of depression

When it comes to mental health, loneliness is also an important factor. Older adults who are alone or feel alone are much more likely to suffer from depression. Thus, a social support network can protect pensioners from stress and anxiety.

Studies show that pets can also help fight depression and anxiety in older adults.

A great way for older adults to fight depression is to create a network of friends with similar interests. Doing regular recreation or leisure activities with friends or a spouse makes it much easier for retirees to adjust to retirement.

In conclusion, older adults who spend time with friends or a pet and are not lonely are less likely to suffer from depression. They generally enjoy better health and do not need to use the health care system as much.

Since prevention is always the best, it is crucial to ensure that older adults have company and opportunities to improve their well-being and satisfaction.