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Depression in seniors can be treated
By Daniel Gardner, PhD*, The Daily Press
September 19th, 2005
Mood disorders including depression are among the most treatable emotional illnesses. Depression is debilitating and potentially life-threatening in all age groups. It is essential to understand the reasons that this condition goes unrecognized and untreated in many age groups and particularly in the elderly.
The World Health Organization estimates that 121 million people worldwide suffer from depression. The American Psychological Association reports that 20 percent of the elderly, and 50 percent of adults in nursing homes suffer from clinically significant depression. Older adults have the highest rate of suicide in any age group, and they account for 20 percent of the deaths by suicide in this country.
Depression can also be a symptom of other health problems which require medical attention. There is no way to accurately estimate the enormous and largely unnecessary suffering of the millions with unrecognized and untreated depression.
Why does depression, especially in the elderly, go untreated? Although there is no doubt in the research community that depression is a medical condition, many believe that depression is a normal part of the aging process.
In other words, many expect aging to be associated with depression, despite clear evidence that this is not the case. The elderly do not easily recognize that they have depression, or do not report concerns about mood to their physician. Unfortunately, many of the elderly do not want to complain, or to trouble their care-provider with problems with mood, sleep, or other functional difficulties.
Inaccurate information or cultural mythology are frequently the reasons people do not get the help they need for an emotional illness like major depressive disorder. The "stigma" of a diagnosis of depression is a huge problem, especially for those from a more stoic era. Older people were often taught that mood disorders were "a flaw in their character" or a reason to be ashamed about themselves.
Unfortunately, many sufferers avoid both diagnosis and treatment because they believe that having depression means they are "crazy." Some believe that medications are addictive, or harmful physically, or will turn them into a "zombie." Sadly, many with depression compound their grief by blaming themselves due to the many inaccurate negative messages that are part of this culture. Some suffer in silence, isolation and despair to the point that they take their life to end their misery.
In most cases this misery is unnecessary. Undoubtedly, the elderly often face age-related stress such as retirement, loss of their spouse, family and friends, increased health problems, and decreased independence. Even with these added challenges, the suffering of untreated depression is unnecessary.
Ironically, depression is reasonably easy to diagnose and treat, and screening tools are available in most clinics. Treatments including medication and/or psychotherapy are safe and quite effective. There are numerous options in regard to treatment, and physicians in the community are well-trained in evaluation and treatment of these disorders.
Paying attention to the emotional quality of life is crucial at any phase in the life cycle. The elderly deserve the best care and quality of life we can offer them. Ignoring significant depression would seem to be a choice that is hard to justify morally or ethically.
If you are someone you love appears to have symptoms of depression, it is imperative that you seek appropriate medical attention. Screening for depression or other emotional illness can make a life-altering difference, and may even save a life.
*Dr. Daniel Gardner, a licensed psychologist, is the Mental Health Clinical Director (adult and adolescent) of Behavioral Health Services of Memorial Medical Center.
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