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Major Depressive Disorder in Older Adults
While about 58% of the elderly population believe depressed spells are normal signs of aging, this is not the case. Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common mood disorder that results in serious complications. It is a medical condition that interferes with daily life and normal functioning, with symptoms that affect how one may feel and think, as well as alter sleeping and eating habits.
There exist different forms of depression that one may experience, yet most forms result in prolonged periods of sadness or depressed moods, loss of interest in once-enjoyable habits, and difficulty in concentrating and making decisions. Symptoms and/or signs must persist for at least two weeks for one to be professionally diagnosed with depression. Symptoms and/or signs that continue for more than two weeks are considered a depressive episode, which can last for as long as six to eight months.
While depression is one of the most prominent mental disorders, it is often not acknowledged as a serious medical condition within the elderly community. Although more than two million Americans aged 65 and older suffer from some form of depression, a Mental Health America survey shows that approximately 68% of these individuals have minimal to no understanding of depression. The same survey shows that compared to individuals from other age groups, older adults are more likely to “suck it up” and “handle it themselves,” and only 42% would be willing to seek help from a mental health professional. This can be dangerous as those with depression are at an increased risk of developing other physical and mental ailments.
Different Forms of Depression
Depression alters the behavior of each individual in different ways. A crucial factor that contributes to this difference is the circumstances under which one’s depression develops. Below are several forms of depression that older adults are more likely to experience.
Minor Depression — This form of depression is the most common form experienced by older adults, with depressive symptoms that do not fulfill the severity requirement for major depression or dysthymia, but nevertheless persist for at least two weeks. However, this does not mean minor depression is relatively trivial, as those with minor depression are at a higher risk of developing major depression, physical disabilities, and other chronic illnesses.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) — This is a continuous, chronic form of depression that results in symptoms that are less severe than those of major depression, but persist for a more extended period of time (at least two years). In older adults, the persistent depressive disorder usually manifests due to loss of social support and bereavement, and in individuals without major depression or family history of mood disorders.
Major Depression — Also often referred to as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, this form of depression can result in symptoms that drastically interfere with one’s capability to carry out daily life functions, such as working, sleeping, eating, and even concentrating. These symptoms also damage one’s ability to construct and maintain healthy social relationships. Some people may only experience a single episode within their lifetime, but it is more likely that a person will experience multiple episodes.
Symptoms and Signs
Symptoms and signs of depression can include, but are not limited to the following:
Continuously feeling sad, anxious, or “empty”
Loss of interest, pleasure, and/or motivation to engage in hobbies and activities
Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
Decrease in energy, increased fatigue, observably slowed movements and/or speech
Changes to sleeping schedule — sleeping too much, insomnia, interrupted sleep
Changes to diet, unintended weight gain/loss
Thoughts of death or attempts at suicide
Ailments (i.e. aches, headaches, cramps) without a traceable physical cause and/or that do not ease with treatment
These symptoms can be triggered by other chronic diseases that older adults commonly suffer from, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and arthritis. Medical conditions, such as brain tumors or thyroid problems, can also manifest in symptoms that mimic those of depression, so ruling out general medical issues is the crucial first step in the diagnosis of depressive disorders. In addition, it is important to keep in mind that symptoms may be expressed differently depending on the individual and their respective culture.
If you’ve been experiencing these symptoms yourself, or if you’ve noticed elderly family members and/or loved ones around you that have been exhibiting similar behavior, contact a mental health care professional and/or facility to ensure treatment and support are available to them as soon as possible.
