Depression in the elderly – how to identify

Depression in the elderly – how to identify

Dr. Nilesh Shah a leading psychiatrist from Mumbai (Sion Hospital) with more than 3 decades of experience speaks about depression in the elderly. You can access multiple videos by Dr. Nilesh Shah on the topics related to mind care of seniors.

How Common is depression in the elderly?

Typically, it is around 1 % however in elderly with some medically compromised patients such as cancer, heart problems, stroke the  occurrence is 10 to 15 %.

Reasons for depression in the elderly

1. Environmental factors
2. Stressful life events such as  “empty nest syndrome”(children have left home to pursue their career and the parents are at home alone)
3. Decrease in serotonin levels in the brain

How to identify when the elderly is getting into depression?

1. Retarded Depression - Decreased interest in day-to-day life activities
2. Agitated/anxious Depression – when the person gets agitated and anxious about everything, sleep problems
3. Somatic depression  – typical complaints of headache, body ache and other medically unexplained symptoms
4. Depression associated with medical disorders – such as cancer , post stroke or heart attack

Typically sleep disturbances, sad mood and loss of interest in daily activities are typical symptoms of depression in the elderly

Healthy Wrinkles is devoted to better healthcare of senior citizens. We hope that Healthy Wrinkles YouTube channel, blogs and healthcare service databases will help senior citizens and also their family members to ensure better health. Knowledge, discussions and demonstrations over here are for the purpose of information only and shall NOT be construed as medical advice. You should contact your health care professional with respect any specific problem or issue.

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