Depression in older people

by | Dementia, Mental Health, Seniors Health

Older people may be particularly prone to depression because of the increased likelihood that they will be experiencing stressful life events, however depression is not a normal part of ageing.

According to the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare, mood disorders such as depression are the most common type of mental health problem in older people.

Risk factors

Risk factors for depression in later life (65 years and older) include:

  • physical illness (especially long-term illness, diseases affecting the nervous system, heart disease, and those illnesses that are associated with permanent disability;
  • isolation;
  • chronic pain; and
  • bereavement.

Signs of depression

Ddepression may go unrecognised in the elderly, being dismissed by family, friends and doctors as changes relating to ageing, dementia or other illness.

Signs of depression commonly misinterpreted in older people include:

  • loss of interest in life;
  • lack of enjoyment from normal activities;
  • feeling that their life has run its course, there is nothing to look forward to any more;
  • social withdrawal (withdrawing from family and friends);
  • feelings of anxiety;
  • loss of energy and enthusiasm;
  • chronic unexplained pain or other physical symptoms such as constipation or weight loss;
  • poor sleep;
  • behavioural changes, such as refusal to eat or shoplifting;
  • lapses in personal hygiene;
  • loss of appetite; and
  • difficulties with concentration or memory.

Consequences of untreated depression

It is important that depression is recognised and treated, as the disease can have consequences for the individual if left untreated. Aside from the unnecessary suffering associated with untreated depression, the condition can also have a negative impact on physical health, relationships, and the ability to live independently.

In extreme cases, depression in older people is associated with an increased risk of suicide and suicide attempts.

Treatment of depression

In general, the treatment for depression in older people is the same as in younger people, and it commonly involves a combination of lifestyle modification, counselling and antidepressant medication. Treatment choices will vary, depending on the nature and severity of the depression, and other factors, such as the person’s physical health.

Depression linked to stressful life events may respond to psychological treatment such as cognitive behaviour therapy and counselling. Depression which is biological in origin may require drug treatment or physical treatment such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Newer antidepressants called SSRIs appear to have fewer side-effects than older ones but they commonly cause headache, nausea and drowsiness. ECT involves a general anaesthetic which carries risks, and may also lead to confusion and memory problems.

Complementary and alternative therapies which may be useful for mild, non-biological depression include relaxation and exercise.

Sometimes there can be a reversible cause for the depression, such as a medicine that is being taken for another condition.

Prevention of depression

Evidence is growing that the development of depression later in life may be associated with vascular disease. (Vascular disease affects the blood vessels and can cause conditions such as stroke, transient ischaemic attack (TIA, also called mini-stroke) and heart attack.) So you can reduce your risk of developing depression by addressing risk factors for vascular disease, e.g. quit smoking and ensure high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels are treated.

You can also reduce your risk of developing depression in your senior years by exercising regularly, keeping your mind active, and participating in social activities. Other important preventive measures, when required, include control of chronic pain and grief counselling after losing a loved one.

Mental health helplines

If you or someone you know is feeling distressed and/or having suicidal thoughts, see your doctor, phone one of these helplines or click on the links below for online web chat counselling or support. Call 000 if life is in danger.

Lifeline (24 hours) 13 11 14
Kids Helpline (for young people aged 5 to 25 years) 1800 55 1800
Beyond Blue Support Service (24 hours) 1300 22 4636
MensLine Australia (24 hours) 1300 78 99 78
SANE Helpline – mental illness information, support and referral 1800 187 263
Suicide Call Back Service (24 hours) – free counselling support 1300 659 467