Do you have an elderly family member who you think is depressed but are not sure?
This is common because depressive symptoms in the elderly may be different from those in a younger adult. Here are some of the following reasons: How is depression in the elderly different? ▸ fewer symptoms (may not meet all criteria for the disorder) ▸ depression may be accompanied or caused by medical illness ▸ depression may be due to side effects of prescribed drugs ▸ older individuals may be resistant to talking about depression ▸ depressive complaints may be couched in physical not emotional terms Who is at more risk for developing depression? ▸ being female ▸ being single, divorced or widowed ▸ socially isolated ▸ family history of depression and/or suicide ▸ major life changes such as financial loss, death of family member or retirement How is depression treated in the elderly? ▸ Cognitive and Behavioral Activation Psychotherapies ▸ medications ▸ medically oriented treatments - Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation or Electrocon- vulsive Therapy ▸ meditation and physical exercise What can I do to help my elderly family member? ▸ get them to verbalize their feelings and reasons for being depressed ▸ don’t tell them it’s all in their head, or pull themselves up by their bootstraps ▸ break up difficult tasks into small, easy steps for them ▸ try to get them involved in support groups or social activities ▸ support daily involvement in activities they enjoy ▸ encourage and discuss advantages of getting professional help If you are not sure whether your loved one is depressed we can help. Contact us at (847) 227-8323.
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