What Is the Dominant Discourse of Depression & the Elderly?

Depression afflicts adults of all ages, but the dominant discourse is that the elderly are uniquely vulnerable to its debilitating effects. Physical and cognitive deterioration combined with isolation and other circumstances put the elderly at high risk for depression that can lead to suicide. Experts believe early detection and treatment is the key to improving quality of life and saving lives.

Risk Factors

Elderly depression is most common in those facing chronic illness or cognitive disorders, but genetics, loss and other emotional factors also increase an individual's risk, according to the American Journal of Preventative Medicine.

Signs

Signs of depression in the elderly include changes in behavior, thinking, emotional display and physical condition, reports the Missouri Department of Mental Health.

Treatment

Psychotherapy, antidepressant medication, improved health and group activities are effective depression treatments for the elderly, reports the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Suicide

Elderly depression is highly treatable, but the NIH warns that elderly men, particularly those who live alone, are at heightened risk for suicide. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates elderly suicides account for 16 percent of all suicides.

Prevention

MayoClinic.com advises that early detection and depression treatments for the elderly are critical to prevent disability and reduce the number of elderly suicides.

References

• The American Journal of Preventative Medicine: Depression in the Elderly
• Missouri Department of Mental Health: Elderly Depression
• National Institute of Mental Health: Older Adults: Depression and Suicide Facts

Resources

• National Institutes of Health
• MayoClinic.com