Late-Life Depression
A Treatable Illness
Depression is a serious but treatable medical condition that involves
the body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way a person eats and
sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks
about things. Depression can occur at any age. In late life, physical
and social changes can increase the likelihood of a depressive illness.
Symptoms
Depression can be mild, moderate or severe. People may develop
a few, or many, of its symptoms. The symptoms of depression include
the following:
- Trouble sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Appetite and/or weight changes
- Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood
- Decreased energy, fatigue and being slowed down
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and helplessness
- Restlessness and irritability
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering and making decisions
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that
were once enjoyed
- Persistent physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive disorders
and chronic pain, that do not respond to routine treatment
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Depression is not the same as a passing blue mood. Symptoms can
persist for weeks, months or even years. It is not a sign of personal
weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People
with a depressive illness cannot merely "pull themselves together"
and get better.
Causes
Depression is caused by a combination of biological, genetic and
environmental factors. Commonly, depression coexists with other
medical illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer
and Parkinson's disease. Having a chronic medical illness increases
the risks of depression. At other times, painful losses contribute
to its development. Losing one's spouse, job, family home or mobility
are just a few of the losses that can trigger depression. Appropriate
treatment, however, can help.
Treatments
Up to 80 percent of older adults with a depressive disorder can
improve when they receive appropriate treatment. The first step
is a physical examination by a physician to rule out other causes
for a person's symptoms. Next, the physician should conduct a diagnostic
evaluation for depression or refer the person to a mental health
professional for this evaluation. Treatment usually involves medication
or counseling. Sometimes a combination of medication and counseling
provide the greatest relief. It usually takes a number of weeks
for the full effects of treatment to be felt. Once the person is
feeling better, treatment may need to be continued for several months
or, in some cases, indefinitely to prevent relapse.
Location
Enloe Medical Center
Behavioral Health
560 Cohasset Road
Chico, CA 95926
530.332.5250
Open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
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