Common signs of depression in older adults

Depression is a common problem among older adults, but it is NOT a normal part of aging. It is not a normal part of aging, a sign of weakness, or a character flaw. Many older adults with depression need treatment to feel better.

There are several types of depression. The most common include: Major Depression—severe symptoms that interfere with your ability to work, sleep, concentrate, eat, and enjoy life. WebMD explains the signs of depression in your aging loved one and different treatment options.

Depression can occur in the elderly, but it is not a normal part of aging. While most people experience periods of sadness at times, depression is a treatable medical condition. Start studying Anxiety and Depression in the Older Adult. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools.

Even though it’s common , it’s not a. For adults with a mood disorder, symptoms of depression are more than just a “midlife crisis. More than behavior that seems age-inappropriate or “feeling low,” a person with depression can feel sa have low energy and motivation, lose interest in activities and social relationships, and have trouble sleeping. Identify signs of depression in older adults.

Differentiate features of delirium, dementia, and depression.

Many of the usual symptoms of depression may be seen. Common symptoms such as fatigue, appetite loss, and trouble sleeping can be part of the aging process or a physical illness. However, depression in older adults may be hard to detect. As a result, early depression may be ignore or confused with other conditions that are common in older adults.

You can help support the person by encouraging him or her to work with healthcare providers to manage depression. However older adults are at an increased risk for experiencing depression. If you are concerned about a loved one, offer to go with him or her to see a health care provider to be diagnosed and treated. Geriatric depression is a mental and emotional disorder affecting older adults.

Feelings of sadness and occasional blue” moods are normal. In older adults , many of the symptoms of depression may go overlooked and untreated as they overlap with stressful life events or physical disorders that accompany advancing age. Chronic medical ailments can cause depression in older adults and the elderly.

The depressive feelings in older adults and seniors are often associated with physical illness, which increases the risk of depression. Common signs and symptoms of depression in children and teenagers are similar to those of adults , but there can be some differences. On the bright side, depression can typically be successfully treated in older adults. If you suspect a loved one or client is showing signs of depression , seek help immediately.

Like depression , anxiety is a very common mood disorder among the elderly. Older adults with DM experience greater risk for comorbid depression compared to those who do not have DM. In fact, these two problems often appear in tandem.

Having DM increases the risk of subsequent development or recurrence of depression. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) says that there is one factor that can potentially increase depressive symptoms beyond the more common causes of depression in older adults such as genetics, altered brain chemistry, a history of depressive issues, and high levels of stress.