Depression in older people

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What is depression?
Depression is more than just a low mood its a serious illness. People with depression find it hard to function every day. Depression can have serious effects on physical and mental health.

1 Behaviours
General slowing down or restlessness Neglect of responsibilities and self-care Withdrawing from family and friends Decline in day-to-day ability to function, with confusion, worry and agitation Inability to find pleasure in any activity Difficulty getting motivated in the morning Behaviour which is out of character Denial of depressive feelings this can be used as a defence mechanism

hoW do you knoW if an older person is depressed and not just sad?
Depression in older people is common and may occur for different reasons. The onset of a physical illness or personal loss and sadness can be common, but depression is not a normal part of ageing. An older person may be depressed, if for more than two weeks they have... 1. Felt sad, down or miserable most of the time, OR 2. Lost interest or pleasure in most of their usual activities. AND experienced symptoms in at least three of the following four categories:

2 Thoughts
Indecisiveness Loss of self-esteem Persistent suicidal thoughts Negative comments eg. Im a failure, Its my fault, life is not worth living. Concerns about financial situation Perceived change of status within the family

3 Feelings
Moodiness or irritability may present as angry or aggressive Sadness, hopelessness or emptiness Overwhelmed Worthless, guilty continues overleaf...

for more information

www.beyondblue.org.au or beyondblue info line 1300 22 4636

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Depression in older people

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4 Physical Symptoms
Sleeping more or less than usual Feeling tired all the time Unexplained headaches, backache or similar complaints Digestive upsets, nausea, changes in bowel habits Agitation, hand wringing, pacing Loss or change of appetite Significant weight loss or gain

What makes an older person more at risk of depression?

An increase in physical health problems/ conditions eg. heart disease, stroke, Alzheimers disease Chronic pain Side-effects from medications Losses: relationships, independence, work and income, self-worth, mobility and flexibility Social isolation Significant change in living arrangements eg. moving from an independent to care setting Admission to hospital Particular anniversaries and the memories they evoke.

Everyone experiences some or all of these symptoms from time to time, but when symptoms are severe and lasting, its time to get professional help. Dementia can also co-exist and mask depression and a thorough assessment is recommended. Early detection and treatment may help to keep depression from becoming severe. Depression is treatable and effective treatments are available.

hoW common is depression?

Very common. Around one million Australian adults live with depression each year. On average, one in five people will experience depression in their lifetime; one in four women and one in six men. Depression rates are higher in aged-care facilities, with as many as 51% of high-care and 30% of low-care residents reported as depressed.*

* Challenge Depression Project, Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, 2001
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for more information

www.beyondblue.org.au or beyondblue info line 1300 22 4636

What are the treatments for depression?

Depression is treatable
Different types of depression require different types of treatment. This may include physical exercise for preventing and treating mild depression, through to psychological treatment and drug treatments for more severe levels of depression. Along with community support, these are the most effective treatments for depression in later life. Depression must be recognised in order to be treated. The key to successful treatment is an appropriate assessment by a GP or health professional. Both personal and professional carers are an invaluable source of information about personality or cognitive changes in the person and should be included in discussions where possible.

Psychological treatments
Psychological treatments address issues that particularly affect people with depression. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) helps to correct negative thought patterns. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) helps to improve relationships.

Medications
People who are depressed often feel physically unwell, with resulting sleep and appetite changes. Antidepressant drug treatments relieve the physical symptoms of depression and can be very helpful. Its important that any current medication is also reviewed. Medication can take between seven to 21 days to work effectively. The decision to start taking antidepressant medication is one that should be carefully considered and supervised by a doctor. This should also be the case when going off medication. Stopping medication should only be done gradually, on a doctors recommendation and under their supervision.

for more information

www.beyondblue.org.au or beyondblue info line 1300 22 4636

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Depression in older people

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What can you do?

If you or someone you know needs help, talk to your doctor or another mental health professional about getting the RIGHT help. More fact sheets on a range of depressionrelated topics are available from the beyondblue website: www.beyondblue.org.au or by calling the beyondblue info line 1300 22 4636.

Suggest the person sees a doctor or health professional. Offer practical support by assisting the person to make an appointment and either provide or arrange transport. Offer assistance at the persons home. If someone has been prescribed antidepressant medication, encourage the person to continue taking it as directed and assist them to discuss the treatment with their doctor. If the person complains of side-effects from the medication, encourage them to discuss these with their doctor.

beyondblue: the national depression initiative, 2008. PO Box 6100, Hawthorn West VIC 3122 T: (03) 9810 6100 beyondblue info line 1300 22 4636 F: (03) 9810 6111 E: bb@beyondblue.org.au W: www.beyondblue.org.au

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for more information

www.beyondblue.org.au or beyondblue info line 1300 22 4636