Depressed Older Adults?

Many people think that it is normal to be depressed when you’re old or that depression is part of growing old.   However, this is not true for depression in older adults is not normal. Depression in older adult can be attributed to the loss of a spouse, underlying health condition and other difficult life changes. Depression in older adults and in general population has basically the same symptoms but former are often neglected. Antidepressants such as Paxil and psychotherapy are used as management for depression in general and in older population as well. Despite the effective use of Paxil, it has earned criticisms from consumers which made Glaxo pay $750 million to settle charges.

Suicide among individuals above 65 years old has a 16% rate despite the common belief that suicide among young individuals has the highest rate. The National Institute of Mental Health record says that in the year 2004, the suicide rate of individuals age 65 and up is higher at 14.3 in 100,000 people ratio compared to the 11 per 100,000 ratio in the general population.

Factors that can contribute to the onset of depression among older adults include health problems, loneliness and isolation, reduced sense of purpose, fears, and recent bereavement. Symptoms would include loss of energy, change in appetite, alteration in the sleeping pattern, loss of interest in work and relationship and persistent feeling of sadness that interferes with the normal way of life. The manifestations are frequently considered as symptoms of other health conditions. Lower detection and management rates often result from this.

Depression must be managed right after it is diagnosed. Most depressed adults show development after being managed with antidepressant, psychotherapy or both. Antidepressants are available in the market in various names and its effects also differ on every individual. It is important to note that it usually takes 4-8 weeks before the effect of the drug is evident. Psychotherapy makes use of a trained psychotherapist that helps patient handle his depression, suicidal thoughts and other problems. Its effects on every individual also vary just like antidepressants. Study shows that approximately 80% of depressed older adults recovered successfully after receiving both the medication and psychotherapy compared to patients who received medication or psychotherapy alone.

Depression can be managed well through prompt detection and treatment. Constant visit to a health care provider helps avoid unwanted instances brought by depression. Depression is not a situation where you can easily get out. It can be treated with antidepressants like Paxil and psychotherapy. It is imperative to consult a health care provider before starting on Paxil because of the associated side effects of the drug like Paxil birth defects.