Depression in Older Adults – A Serious Concern

By Chris Kearney, Abilene Psychiatric Center

          Depression is not a normal part of aging.  Even so, many older adults experience depression or depressive symptoms.  In fact, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, 7 out of the 35 million people over the age of 65 suffer from a diagnosable depressive illness. 

          What’s more is that the majority of older adults suffering from depression do not receive treatment, or worse, even if treatment is sought, many times the depressive symptoms are dismissed or overlooked.  The question is, why?  The answer is that the onset of depression in older adults typically co-occurs with other serious illnesses.  For instance, depression can develop in conjunction with heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease.  Because many older adults experience one or more of these ailments, healthcare professionals can mistakenly conclude that the depressive symptoms are a relatively normal consequence of the physical illness.  This conclusion, however, is utterly and dangerously false.  Not only will the depression not be treated, but it will significantly hinder the recovery process relative to the physical illness.

          In addition to depression co-occurring with other serious illnesses, social and economic factors contribute to the development of depressive symptoms in older adults.  As we all know, the process of aging is not always a fun one.  For some it means loss of physical ability.  For others a degradation of mental capacity.  For all of us it means the loss of our loved ones and friends.  Many elderly persons experience financial and economic hardships as well.  Without the proper support, and sometimes even with it, older adults will slip into a depressive state.  And considering, it’s easy to understand why. 

          To dismiss depression or depressive symptoms at any age, but especially among our older adults, is a precarious gamble.   The reason can be summed up in one word: suicide.  Depression is the most common condition associated with suicide and suicidal behavior – particularly in older adults.  It is an astounding but veritable fact that older Americans are disproportionately likely to die by suicide.

          Comprising only 13 percent of the U.S. population, individuals age 65 and older accounted for 18 percent of all suicide deaths in 2000. Among the highest rates were white men age 85 and older.  In fact, this group committed suicide at rates exceeding 5 times the national average. 

          Non-psychiatrically trained physicians, family members, and even the individual may find it difficult to identify depressive symptoms.  But it is imperative that we do, because the risks are too high.  Many studies have concluded that as high as 75% of older adults who have committed suicide visited their primary care doctor within one month of their suicide.  This is a shocking figure.

          The question is “What can we do?”  Those who interact with older adults need to be keenly aware of the symptoms of depression.  They include, but are not limited to the following:  persistent sadness; expressions or verbalizations of hopelessness, guilt, or worthlessness; loss of interest in normal activities of daily living; decreased energy; loss of appetite or excessive weight gain; restlessness or irritability.  If you notice these things in your loved one, he/she may be suffering from depression.

          The next thing to do is to seek a psychiatric assessment.  Depression is a psychiatric condition and thus should be treated by a trained psychiatrist, like those of the Abilene Psychiatric Center (you wouldn’t go to a podiatrist to treat your migraine headaches, right?).  There’s nothing to lose, no shame, and everything to gain from treating depression and depressive symptoms. 

          Growing old is not always a fun process.  Complicated by depression, the process is excruciating.  But it doesn’t have to be.  If you or someone you know need a free assessment or professional help, call Abilene Psychiatric Center today at (325) 698-6600.

Chris Kearney is the Administrator of the Abilene Psychiatric Center.  Mental Health Matters is sponsored by the Mental Health Association, phone (325) 673-2300, e-mail mhaa@bitstreet.com.  Need help?  Call the Hope Line (325) 673-2300.