Depression in the Elderly

Depression seems to be overwhelming the population these days. The increase in the anxiety ,depression among teens may occur from parents splitting. Abuse occurring in the families more. Children and teens being bullied more due to obesity and poverty.

Symptoms among preteens and teens could be change in personality, being a loaner, not participating in activities , a drop in school grades. May see more crying spells and lashing out with mood swings. Peer pressure for use of drugs,smoking ,drinking or sex that they may know is wrong but they are pressured to fit in.

But one group that is over looked is our older adults/elderly. This is actually very common for our elderly to suffer from anxiety and depression. Usually is stated as confusion ,memory loss. and goes untreated. Our elderly may have lost a loved one (spouse), children are all grown and may have moved out of the area and they are trying to cope with the changes in their lives. They may worry about financial problems and how to handle finances if they are alone.

Most of our elderly have chronic pain conditions that they are unable to move around freely as they once did. They may not be able to drive any longer and need to depend on someone else to take them places. They may be developing memory loss and are worried about what life has in store for them. Family may be enjoying activities that they no longer can join in with .

One thing to keep in mind is that depression may cause an increase in memory loss and confusion. Thyroid problems, digoxin toxicity, low vitamin B12 levels
low sodium levels should be checked. All patients especially our elderly should have a complete work up. Once the underlying cause is defined then the correct problem can be treated.

Our elderly should be tried with some therapy and possible activities , encouraged to join a church group may help, volunteering with youth ,animal shelters or something that they may have been interested in when they were younger. Pets are a very good therapy for the older population if they are able to care for them .

Medications should be a last resort in the older adults and carefully monitored do to side effects. They should be started at a low dose and slowly increased as the patient tolerates. ZOLOFT is usually a safe med along with PAXIL, there are several others out there that should be checked on.

We have some people experiencing panic attacks and increased anxiety , they may become anxious, feeling like they are going to suffocate , shaking and hyperventilating , palpitations are also common. The same medications may be used for these symptoms also along with something like ATIVAN to help calm them with the severe attacks.

No one should ever be ashamed to go to a doctor or therapist for treatment. Too many people are under treated. Alot of the older adults feel they should be able to handle life on their own.Younger male adults feel that they are not manly if they admit this problem. Is this why we have child abuse crimes , and drug abuse? Lets make sure that our family members and elderly are treated properly for what they are living through.

Depression, Panic Attacks and Anxiety are very REAL.