Depression is not only depressing; it is expressed in many ways. As a result, older people may be depressed and unaware of it. Subsyndromic depression is most common in people over the age of 50. You may experience fatigue, loss of appetite, pain, constipation, trouble sleeping, and a general lack of enthusiasm for life. Some people may become anxious, forgetful, confused, lose confidence, or feel like a burden in extreme situations.
Causes of geriatric depression
Depression in older adults is common but not inevitable. Loneliness, long-term illness, grief, nursing homes, and hospitalization are all risk factors for depression. For a better environment, contact the best home health services. Excessive alcohol consumption often causes depression, and a history of mental illness such as dementia may also play a role.
However, not all age groups have one common cause of depression. Recent studies have also suggested that the condition may have a genetic component. They concluded that biological, social, and psychological factors all play a role in depression in older adults. The following factors may also contribute to depression:
If you are deficient in key neurotransmitter molecules (such as serotonin and norepinephrine) in your brain.
Abuse or the death of a loved one, or a traumatic life event Older people can become depressed due to many unforeseen challenges, such as:
Bedridden or with restricted mobility
Isolation from friends and family
Having to deal with death
The shift from job to retirement is a difficult one.
Monetary difficulties
Deaths of spouses, friends, and other loved ones
Substance addiction over a long time
Divorce
Chronic medical illness
Consider the fact that older adults are susceptible to a ramification of diseases that may result in despair at times:
Parkinson's disease ( a neurological disorder )
Stroke
Coronary artery disease
Cancer
Diabetes
Thyroid issues
B12 deficiency
Alzheimer's disease and dementia
Multiple sclerosis
Lupus
Geriatric depression is frequently seen as a facet impact of many routinely prescribed medicines. People who use lots of drugs can be extra susceptible. While anybody may be struck by the mood-related side effects of a few medicinal drugs, older adults are particularly susceptible given that their bodies tend to be less efficient at metabolising and absorbing capsules as they grow older.
If you become sad after starting a new drug, speak to your physician straight away about lowering the dose or switching to an exceptional medication. This is why precautions have to be taken during the use of certain medications like:
Medications for high blood pressure
Beta-blockers
Drugs to control high cholesterol
Tranquillisers
Calcium-channel blockers
Parkinson's disease medications
Sleeping pills
Drugs for ulcers
Heart drugs containing reserpine
Steroids
Painkillers
Medications for arthritis
Estrogens
Anticholinergic drugs, which are used to treat gastrointestinal issues.
Symptoms of depression
In most cases, older people with depression are unaware of their symptoms of depression or do not take the necessary steps to seek help. There are many reasons why depression in older people is often overlooked. For example, there is the belief that depression has a valid reason or that depression is a natural part of aging. You may feel misunderstood and lonely when few people are around to see your pain. You may not be aware that your physical problems are symptoms of depression.
Risks of depression
Depression can increase the risk of other illnesses and affect the severity of hip fractures, strokes, and heart attacks. This can be difficult to recognize in elderly care because the physical symptoms of depression can be confused with other long-term illnesses. You may fear being criticized. Therefore, they are not allowed to care. Therefore, it is always a good idea to pay attention to signs and symptoms that require a deeper understanding of the symptoms.
Treatment of depression in elderly
Depression can be treated like any other disorder by reducing risk factors. Start by asking questions and by seeing and understanding the person, not their age. Depression treatment options include drugs, psychotherapy or counseling, electroconvulsive therapy, or other new forms of brain stimulation (such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (RTMS)). In some cases, a combination of these treatments may be used. Your doctor's recommendations are based on many factors, including the type and severity of your depressive symptoms, previous treatments, and general health.
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