Show #335 Airing Sunday, 4/2/06
We all have times when a gray cloud seems to be hanging over us. But when blue becomes the primary color of your life, you could be suffering from depression. Here to draw us a clearer picture of the causes, symptoms, and treatment for depression is Dr. Rebecca Cirino, a psychiatrist with Akron General Medical Center.
Question: Is depression common among seniors? Is it a normal part of the aging process?
Answer: Depression is fairly prevalent among seniors, affecting 15-20% of seniors. In fact, the highest rate of suicide is in senior men. Of course, most cases are nowhere near that severe.
What makes depression among seniors most difficult, however, is that it is often not diagnosed or recognized in this population. Depression was a more taboo topic when seniors were growing up, and therefore they are less likely to recognize depression, or are more embarrassed to seek treatment.
Depression is not normal for anyone! You do not have to feel this way.
Question: What are some of the triggers for depression in seniors?
Answer: Various end-of-life issues can trigger depression. Many times, the person may have a genetic predisposition to depression, and then some kind of loss can make it worse.
One huge trigger is the loss of independence, for example, no longer being able to drive.
The loss of a spouse or other family and friends can also lead to isolation and depression.
Question: What are the signs and symptoms?
Answer: Feeling sad and tearful are obviously symptoms, but many times depression does not present itself in that way, and therefore may be more difficult to recognize. Other possible symptoms include:
- Irritability
- Fatigue/tiredness/sleepiness
- Loss of interest and enjoyment, even in activities you've loved
- Difficulty concentrating/poor memory
- Loss of appetite
- In extreme cases, suicidal thoughts
In order to be diagnosed with depression, you must exhibit five or more of the symptoms consistently for more than two weeks.
Question: If we are a caregiver and notice some of the signs of depression, what should we do?
Answer: The person should be brought to either their primary care physician or a psychiatrist. The first step, especially with seniors, is to rule out possible medical conditions that can mimic depression, such as anemia or thyroid disease. Once a person's physical health is cleared, then treatment for depression may begin.
Question: What treatment is available?
Answer: First, Medication is often used. Usually, the first step is an anti-depressant. Sometimes anti-anxiety medication or sleep aids may be prescribed as well.
Second, Talk therapy may also be suggested, to help the individual cop with loss or with medical issues. Many times, depression is the result of feeling isolated, so having someone to talk to can be a big help.
Third, the person needs help identifying and coping with stressors in everyday life. If the person receives help in all three areas, they are more likely to successfully recover from depression.
Akron General Medical Center has just opened an outpatient psychiatry program at our Health & Wellness Center-West in Bath. They offer first-level psychiatric evaluation. Access to a hot-line is available. The staff can provide references to other resources. They can coordinate in-patient or out-patient programs. The staff provides help in obtaining coverage. Treatment is covered by most insurance.
Life presents us with a rainbow of colors. You don't have to be stuck with a case of the chronic blues. Depression can be treated successfully. To learn more, give Dr. Cirino's office a call.
