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With Mayo Clinic psychiatrist Gabrielle J. Melin, M.D.

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September 16, 2008

Depression and aging: Make sure to seek treatment

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By Gabrielle J. Melin, M.D.

Need more help?

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Go to the nearest hospital or emergency room
Call your physician, health provider or clergy
National Alliance on Mental Illness
www.nami.org
1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

Many of you think depression is a normal part of the aging process, but it is not. As with depression at any age, it is important to accurately diagnose and treat depression. Depression is treatable, and this is true in those 65 and older as well. Psychotherapy and/or medications may be used.

Older Americans are at higher risk for committing suicide than any other age group. The U.S. national suicide rate is about 11/100,000 persons. Males 85 and older have the highest suicide rate and it is 5 times the overall rate or 55/100,000 persons.

Symptoms are the same as in other age populations and can include:

depressed mood (may include irritability)
feeling guilty or worthless
poor energy, feeling fatigued or tired
poor concentration or focus (short-term memory problems that are not dementia)
not enjoying things as one usually does
isolating oneself form others, withdrawing
feeling as if one is a burden or is not loved or cared about
irritability, restlessness, nervousness
changes in sleep patterns, may sleep more or less
changes in appetite, may eat more or less
persistent headaches, upset stomach or chronic pain

There are not medications recommended specifically for the elderly to treat depression. A medication choice will be based on other medications the patient is taking, patient preference, other medical illnesses and past medication trials, if any. Possible side effects can be used to one's advantage.

An example would be taking a sedating medication at bedtime when insomnia is a symptom of the depression. If poor appetite and weight loss are a part of the depression, a medication that may stimulate the appetite could be used.

If you are older and suspect you're depressed, see a health care provider. And if you know someone who is elderly and suspect they may have depression, encourage the person to see their health care provider.

Please share your experiences with us.

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14 comments posted

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October 12, 2008 12:23 a.m.

No one has mentioned Vitamin B12 deficiency as being a possible cause of depresssion in people over the age of 55-60. I found this to be the cause in my case. As soon as I received B12 injections, the above mentioned symptoms went away. Another cause may be low thyroid function. Both these should be checked before prscribing/taking anti-depressants.

- H. Zukof

September 25, 2008 12:45 a.m.

Dr. Phill has a lot of ways to treat depression. not to advertise him but he has helped me a great deal. Happiness is a choice.. God Bless Outsourcing Solution in BPO

- pete hudson

September 24, 2008 5:54 p.m.

Been where you are but NO MORE. Look up a group called Recovery,Inc. It's self-help so that you know yourself the method is helping you once you learn it. The main office is based in Chicago, but groups meet all over the WORLD. Free-will donations only....maybe that's why some professionals don't recommend the group or: your doctors may not have learned about it. It's been in existence since the l930's....you will be better...I know, I know. Take heart and take action. Best loving wishes to you.

- Fay

September 24, 2008 7:57 a.m.

Ihave depression. I am always tired and I don't like to watch TV anymore. I am sad most of my life and in pain.

- sandra emory

September 22, 2008 7:10 a.m.

To DW Can you get out and walk? Exercise increases the Seratonin and Endorfins in the brain,maybe find a walking partner,God Bless

- Linda Brown

September 20, 2008 9:02 p.m.

Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for His compassion never fail.

- Rosette from Philippines

September 20, 2008 10:09 a.m.

I am a 58-year-old who has suffered from severe depression and anxiety for at least 6 years. Several traumatic things happened in my family at that time. I have usually managed to deal with and work through things prior to this. It was like the straw that broke the camels back. During the past 6 years, I have lost my job, my home, my self-respect, the respect of the community and drastically changed the lives of my children. I have seen a psychiatrist since 2004. We have tried medications in every combination, but nothing seems to be successful. Are there any new treatments for depression and/or anxiety. I am so tired of living in this black cloud waiting for the next shoe to drop. Thank you.

- Debbie Whitt

September 19, 2008 4:19 p.m.

To r.c.- If you know what pleasurable activities and interests your mother had during her life prior to depression, then that is a place to start. Since you can't go every day to be w/ her then try for once a week to involve her and yourself in one of those activities. My own mother loved cards and board games and we played w/ each other 3 or 4 times a week, and once a month I took her to an 'all girls' poker night w/ one of her old acquaintances in the group. She frequently fussed about the poker night and I had to drag her there at times, but she always enjoyed herself, and made new friends who would drop in on her for visits. This did not cure her depression, or totally relieve the negativity I had to deal w/ from her, but it was a stepping stone to getting her to talk to her Dr. about the situation and that was followed by meds that helped some and got her to consider doing more things, to at least not alway complaining, and eventually we reached a stage where she could make herself more content. Little steps of positive, joyful things help. My mom had good days and bad days, but eventually the good and mediocre days won out over the bad to where she was usually at peace and amenable to being coaxed into doing things. Also, stressing yourself over her condition will not help her, but will only lead to you both being depressed. I know it is hard, and sometimes you'd rather scream than cajole, but just take it one step at a time. Take care of yourself first.

- Lola S.

September 18, 2008 6:18 a.m.

Responses: To clarify, there are NOT antidepressant medications that are prescribed solely for those that are elderly. The medications available work equally well across all age groups. Anxiety does not normally increase with aging. Thank you for your interest!

- MC.Com Staff

September 18, 2008 2:23 a.m.

With advancing years, many people sink into feelings of insecurity, lowered self esteem and dipping confidence levels, sooner or later. One will have to prepare oneself from earlier years to find new interests in life, detach emotionally from ones children and loved ones yet having attachments with them( Makes sense?), make a great deal of efforts to remain physically and mentally fit and get involved in helping less priveledged people. There is no greater mood elevator than the look of happiness on the face of someone whom you have cared for or helped. Ofcourse, it is easy for us to land up at the clinic and take prescriptions for Depression but dont forget they come with their side effects. Interacting with people of similar age groups, sharing fond memories with them, helping each other can reduce dependency on drugs. One should try out all options before looking for prescriptions to allay depression. Exercise, Yoga, Prayers, Meditation, Deep Breathing, are various healthy options which may provide immense relief from Depression.These will also help in improving existing co-morbidities. With longevity going up, it remains for us to immprove our physical and mental health and attitudes so as to spend our sunset years in the happiest possible manner without becoming a painful baggage for our loved ones.

- P G Gaikwad