DEPRESSION IN THE ELDERLY

What is Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest1

Common Symptoms

Who does it affect?

Identifying the second victim

The Second Victim is usually the spouse or caregiver of an individual dealing with sickness or disability Depression is the most common negative result of the caregiver process2. Others affected include the patient, children, or direct family.

Depressive disorders represent the most common diagnosis in the elderly

Did you know

Sadness Lack of interest in pleasurable activities Lack of motivation Fatigue Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness Changes in weight, sleep, energy, appetite, or sexual drive Decreased attention, memory, or concentration Thoughts of death or suicide Non-traditional symptoms: headache, pain, stomach irritability, or respiratory difficulties

RECOGNIZING DEPRESSION IN A LOVED ONE

Stops participating in activities that he/she enjoys Sudden change in personality Changes in memory Difficulties completing daily activities (self-care)

THREE ASPECTS OF TREATING DEPRESSION

1. PREVENTION Depression in older adults is a treatable condition & should not be ignored or dismissed as a normal part of aging or as a lost cause2 Participate in vocational, volunteer or leisure activities Activities must be interesting & meaningful to the individual Increase physical activity 2. PSYCHOTHERAPY Options include group, individual, couples, and family therapy 3. PHARMACOLOGY Antidepressant medications Side effects: confusion, sleeplessness, agitation, vivid dreams, dry mouth, and constipation. Talk to your doctor about treatment options

If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm, youll never enjoy the sunshine. -Morris West
GOT THE BLUES? HERES HOW YOU CAN HELP
Confide in someone you can trust Talk to your physician if you feel that you are showing signs or symptoms of depression Talk with a friend or family member Screening for Depression Visit http://consultgerirn.org/upload s/File/trythis/try_this_4.pdf to take a self-screening questionnaire3. Exercise & Leisure activities Join a gym or exercise class Engage in hobbies & volunteer activities that are meaningful to you Seeking additional resources? Mental Health America: http://mental healthamerica.net Visit site for additional screenings and to help find resources in your area

Old Dominion University Doctor of Physical Therapy Students R.Giandalia, L. Incandela, B. Kortz, C. Moore
1. 2. 3. Mayo Clinic Staff (n.d.). Diseases and conditions: Depression (major depressive disorder) . Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/depression/basics/definition/con-200329772. Bonder, B. (2008). Functional performance in older adults. (3rd ed., pp. 249-264). Philadelphia : F.A. Davis Company. Greenberg , S. (2012). The geriatric depression scale (gds) . Retrieved from 3.http://consultgerirn.org/uploads/File/trythis/try_this_4.pdf