Depression Treatment in the Elderly
Depression is a problem for many older adults
Loss is painful—whether a loss of independence, mobility, health, your long-time career, or someone you love. Grieving over these losses is normal, even if the feelings of sadness last for weeks or months. Losing all hope and joy, however, is not normal. It’s depression. Although depression in the elderly is a common problem, only a small percentage get the help they need. There are many reasons depression in older adults is so often overlooked.
The consequences of this oversight are high. Untreated depression poses serious risks for older adults, including illness, alcohol and prescription drug abuse, a higher mortality rate, and even suicide. So it’s important to watch for the warning signs and seek professional help when you recognize it.
Treatment options for the elderly
There are several treatment options available for depression. They include medicine, psychotherapy or counseling, or electroconvulsive therapy. In more difficult to treat cases, a combination of these may be appropriate.
How do antidepressants relieve depression in the elderly?
Most of the available antidepressants are believed to be equally effective in elderly adults. But the risk of side effects or potential reactions with other medicines must be carefully considered. For example, certain older antidepressants — such as amitriptyline and imipramine — can be sedating or cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when a person stands up. That can lead to falls and fractures.
Antidepressants may take longer to start working in older people than they do in younger people. Since elderly people are more sensitive to medicines, doctors may prescribe lower doses at first. In general, the length of treatment for depression in the elderly is longer than it is in younger patients.
Can psychotherapy help relieve depression in the elderly?
Most depressed people find that support from family and friends, involvement in self-help and support groups, and psychotherapy are helpful. Psychotherapy is especially beneficial for those who prefer not to take medicine. It also is helpful for people who cannot take drugs because of side effects, interactions with other medicines, or other medical illnesses. Psychotherapy in older adults can address a broad range of functional and social consequences of depression. Many doctors recommend the use of psychotherapy in combination with antidepressant medicines.
Who may benefit from electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?
ECT can play an important role in the treatment of depression in older adults. When older patients are unable to take traditional antidepressant medicines because of side effects or interactions with other medications, ECT is an effective alternative.
Depression self-help for seniors
- Getting out in to the world – Try not to stay cooped up at home all day. Go to the park, take a trip to the hairdresser, or have lunch with a friend.
- Connecting to others – Limit the time you’re alone. If you can’t get out to socialize, invite loved ones to visit you, or keep in touch over the phone or email.
- Participating in activities you enjoy – Pursue whatever hobbies or pastimes bring or used to bring you joy.
- Volunteering your time – Helping others is one of the best ways to feel better about yourself and regain perspective.
- Taking care of a pet – Get a pet to keep you company.
- Learning a new skill – Pick something that you’ve always wanted to learn, or that sparks your imagination and creativity.
- Enjoying jokes and stories – Laughter provides a mood boost, so swap humurous stories and jokes with your loved ones, watch a comedy, or read a funny book.
- Maintaining a healthy diet – Avoid eating too much sugar and junk food. Choose healthy foods that provide nourishment and energy, and take a daily multivitamin.
- Exercising – Even if you’re ill, frail, or disabled, there are many safe exercises you can do to build your strength and boost your mood—even from a chair or wheelchair.
