Management And Treatment of Depression in The Elderly

Depression in elderly individuals is a common phenomenon with ramifications that may affect quality of life, health and possibly longevity of individuals of older age. Depression detection and treatment among the elder people is necessary in improving the mental and physical aspect. The present paper will provide various approaches to the treatment and management of depression among the aged people; special attention will be paid in an effort to familiarize with the symptoms of depression, the necessity of diagnosing depression and the utilization of relevant procedures of treatment of depression.

Depression Among The Old

The dilemma of depression among old age is misunderstood and underreported. Depression among older adults may manifest in ways that are different to that in a younger human being. The aging people should express the feelings of sadness with some physical states that are expressible as unexplained pains and tiredness, diets. Other symptoms are; cognitive loss that include; poor memory and lack of concentration. In addition, depression can be masked in old age by chronic illness or even dementia.

The etiology of depression among the aged demands a special presentation just to interpret the presentation aspect of depression to diagnosis and treat. In most occasions, depression is mixed with normal ageing process or medical conditions are assigned as the cause of depression. However, depression among the seniors is not a part of aging and it should therefore be addressed to enjoy better life in life.

Symptoms of Depression In Dementia In Older Adults.

The first method of offering the older adult the required assistance is the identification of symptoms of the older adult, who is depressed. It has different symptoms but in most cases it includes the following:

Degrees of melancholy or despairing

Lack of interest in the pleasure of things Formerly enjoyed time-wasting activities No longer enjoyed entertaining things No longer enjoyed activities previously pleasurable

concentration or judgement problems

Older individuals may not always express their emotions and, therefore, it is more important to notice the way of their behavior and physical manifestations changes, as well as their attitude to life. Upon an early detection, additional destruction of psychological and physical life can be prevented.

Relationship between Depression And Physical Health

Depression with old age is normally associated with physical ailments. These existing conditions such as heart disease, arthritis and diabetes could have several emotions such as sadness or hopelessness enhanced. Similarly, the condition of being crippled or being sick and consequently losing their freedom can enhance the risk of depression. The symptoms of the depression may also worsen the underlying medical problems hence, it is quite important to consider both the physical and mental health of the older adult.

The depression among the elderly requires extra round-up therapy that is independent of the general well-being. A good exercise regimen, proper diet and treatment of chronic diseases would be an excellent step in improving mood and reducing depression.

The importance of a proper Diagnosis

The depression among the elderly should be diagnosed. The symptoms of depression are common to other conditions such as, dementia or stroke and Parkinson. The wasteful outcomes of misdiagnosis of depression are poor treatment and aggravation of the symptoms. This is why one should consider a medical expert who had the experience of diagnosing mental conditions during older age.

The diagnostic activity is accompanied by physical examinationphysical examination in detail, psychological assessment, and potential brain scan, and laboratory analysis to rule out the etiology of other (non-psychiatric) causes. Provided a proper diagnosis is reached then a treatment option may be tailored to the individual.

Data on Drugs to Treat Depression

Medications also prove to be a very critical element when treating depression in the aged. One of the most widespread is the use of antidepressants and, in particular, those based mainly on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and serotonin-norepinephrine uptake inhibitors (SNRI) to normalize the mood and to mitigate the depression symptoms. These medications work on the neurotransmitters found in the brain which determine the mood, sleeping and food arousal.

Medication however should be prescribed with caution because elderly individuals may exhibit different side effects compared to the younger individuals. Among the potential side effects that need to be considered, one can mention sedation, gastrointestinal issues and dizziness. This necessitates the review of health professionals to keep checking on any response that can be produced by the elderly patient on drug being administered and regulate the doses.

Counseling With The Older Citizens

Psychotherapy or more commonly known as talk therapy is another treatment that has the ability to cure depression among aging humans. Among the most widely recognized approaches of treatment that are used in elderly depression treatment is the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT seeks to make the people gain consciousness of their unfavorable assumptions and replace them with a more effective and constructive way of thinking that is more positive in nature. Treatment is helpful as well, and loans the person to inculcate healthy coping behaviors so as to deal with the day to day stressors and difficulties.

Other forms of psychotherapy such as the interpersonal therapy (IPT) would also be useful in treating the depression in the elderly as well. The focus of IPT is the formation of positive interpersonal functioning and relationships that can, in itself, be very effective in terms of mood and overall mental health.

The Family Support In Treating Depression.

Depression in older individuals is highly essential in as far as family support is concerned. There are also some other significant risk factors of depression, and the social isolation is among them because in case of inability to be a member of some social conditions due to the age, or the absence of force of action, older adults might cease socializing. Sensitive states of loneliness can be addressed by encouragement and support provided by family members along with a sense of belonging.

The family members can also play a part by following the condition that is reflected in an observable change in behavior to encourage the geriatric individual to seek treatment, and some form of companionship. Keeping check-ins, calls, or socializing would help to improve the mental condition of the senior citizens and rule out the chance of developing depression.

Depressive disorder and Physical exercise DEPRESSION

The method of exercise is efficient when it comes to curing depression among the aged. Regular exercise has been shown to assist in better mood, reduction of anxiety and overall well-being. Endorphins are chemical compounds in the brain that have the effect of making the person feel good and causes happiness due to exercise.

Or even a mild exercise is of great assistance to elderly individuals, e.g. a small course, swimming or yoga. Exercise must be tailored to the physical fitness level of the individual in order to avoid injury yet ensuring that the exercise provides the psychological positive health effect. Mental healthy also develops as a side effect of exercise as a result of increased sleep, energy level and self-esteem.

Diet And Nutrition Mental Health

Right nutrition is one of the most significant elements of depression treatment in the old age. With enough essential nutrients, proper nutrition can have a positive impact on the mood and sharpness of thinking. Foods like salmon and mackerel are known to contain omega-3 fatty acid that has been discovered to alleviate rift symptoms of depression. Anti oxidants such as, fruits and vegetables can also be used to fuel the brain and stabilize moods.

Depression symptoms may be exacerbated due to dehydration and poor nutrition thus it would be very essential to ensure that the older population is feeding and hydrated. In some cases, a nutritionist can be referred in order to help in architecting a meal plan that will fit him or her.

The Sleep Hygiene And Depression Pertains To

The issue of sleep disturbance is a normal aspect of older adults and it may cause negative results to their mental health. When individuals are depressed it is normal that they experience unusual sleeping or failure to sleep and this increases incidence of depression. In the process of treating depression in the elder generation, there is need to establish good habits on sleeping, or sleep hygiene.

The maintenance of normal sleeping schedule and the avoidance of stimulating any agent like caffeine just before going to bed or cultivation of peaceful bedtime routine are some of the good sleep hygiene habit. Cognitive behavioral therapy of insomnia (CBT-I) is also another treatment option, which could help older adults deal with the depression-related sleeping issues.

The social preventive measure To prevent seclusion

It plays an important role in the mental health especially among the elderly by means of social interaction. Individuals in their advanced old age might lose their close friends or relatives and therefore become lonely. Social isolation is amongst the main risk factors of depression common in the older adults. The contact with others be it the community matters, the hobbies, the visiting of the family members, etc., is an essential component of prevention as well as management of depression.

Elderly people can be motivated to complete some group activities or volunteer work that makes them feel useful and can also potentially add to their social circle. Even usual telephone calls or videotalking can bring to an effective impact on their mental well-being.

Alternative Depression treatments

Besides its conventional method of treatment, complementary therapies such as the acupuncture treatment, massage therapy, and aromatherapy, among others can offer a solution to the depressed elderly patients. These treatments can help to reduce stress, level of relaxation and well being. The complementary techniques although not a replacement to medical treatment can be used in complementing the overall treatment strategy and lead to a better quality of life.

Relaxation And Mindfulness Techniques

Relaxation and mindfulness techniques that assist the victimized elderly individuals in defeating depression include meditation, deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation These techniques are effective in alleviating depression-related symptoms among the elderly patients. The approaches promote relaxation, de-stress and emotional control. Mindfulness training could also help keep the elderly in the present moment thus keeping them down on ruminating behaviours and negative thinking patterns which are synonymous with depression.

The most enduring practice is mindfulness that would have an overall positive impact on the mental health of the old population since it would make them adopt this practice in their daily lives.

Preventive Medicine of Depression In Old age

Life choices, early treatment and social support are usually the components that make up the prevention of depression in old age. Other sources indicate that through encouraging physical exercise and proper diet in addition to regular social exchange, the chances of developing depression are reduced to a minimum. Early awareness of the symptoms and treatment could also prevent and cure the condition of depression.

Follow ups with the medical practitioners, mental-testing, and talks in the community on depression especially among the elderly play an essential role in treating and preventing depression. Depressive conditions can be averred by early intervention that can impede the mental issues and wellness of the elderly.

Depression in the older adult Management Conclusion:

The elderly depression must be treated in multiple dimensions and this will consist of medication, diagnosis, psychotherapy exercise, social support or lifestyle change. We should know the peculiarities of the manifestations of depression in the elderly age in order to provide them with treatment in a timely manner and improve their quality of life. Blending of medical, psychological and social therapeutics, the older adults could also be helped to cope and deal with depression and lead a healthy and happier life.