Many older adults are confronted with difficult changes, including bereavement, loss of independence, social isolation and health problems. Although grieving is a natural response to loss, depression is not. According to Helpguide.org, 2 million Americans over age 65 suffer from full-blown depression, with another 5 million showing some signs of the disorder. Depression is treatable, but it is under-reported among the elderly, with relatives and even physicians sometimes viewing it as an inevitable part of aging. Knowing the symptoms can help you identify depression in an older loved one.
Anxiety
Although anxiety is not the first symptom you might associate with depression, BBC Health states that it is one of the primary indications in elderly people. If a formerly optimistic person begins fretting, worrying or obsessing about financial concerns, health problems or the general state of the world, it can be an important clue to depression.
Slowed Movements and Mental Changes
The elderly person may exhibit unusually slow movements, thoughts or speech, appear confused or have difficulty concentrating. Helpguide.org points out that depression in the elderly shares many symptoms with the onset of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. If the mental decline has been fairly rapid, it is more likely to be depression than dementia, which develops slowly over time. Another difference is that a depressed elderly person without dementia is oriented in space and time--aware of his location and the correct date and time of day--while a person suffering from dementia is disoriented and can become lost in familiar locations.
Social Withdrawal
Withdrawing from friends and family is a classic sign of depression in the elderly. Not returning phone calls, refusing invitations for social events and avoiding contact with others are all warning signs of depression, as is a lack of interest in things the person used to enjoy. Helpguide.org suggests gently but insistently inviting your loved one to participate in group and family activities.
Sadness and Fatigue
Although sadness and tears are a normal part of grieving, a grieving person can still experience moments of hope, optimism and joy. With depression, the sadness is unrelieved, and is accompanied by feelings of worthless, hopelessness and lack of self-esteem.
Sleep Problems
Sleep problems are another classic indication of depression. According to Medline Plus, an elderly depressed person may have difficulty falling asleep, wake up many times during the night, or awaken very early and not be able to get back to sleep. These problems may manifest themselves as daytime sleepiness or fatigue. Medline Plus adds that depression is very likely the diagnosis if these or any other symptoms of depression occur daily for two weeks.
Unexplained Physical Symptoms
Elderly people with depression often complain of unexplained or increasing aches and pains, particularly headaches, backaches and fatigue. Identifying and treating depression in the elderly can be particularly challenging because depression can be caused by physical problems such as hypothyroidism, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies and dehydration. Helpguide.org notes that depression may appear after a person develops multiple sclerosis, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, or suffers a heart attack or stroke. If your elderly loved one has increased physical complaints, take her to a doctor for diagnosis.
Suicidal Thoughts
Thoughts of suicide or fantasies of committing suicide is a depression symptom that can have devastating consequences. Medline Plus states that suicide in the elderly is one of the leading causes of death, with divorced or widowed men at highest risk. The National Institutes of Mental Health says you should call The Suicide Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK if you believe your elderly loved one is suicidal.
