Depression Among the Elderly - 1991 Words

Depression Among the Elderly Though depression and anxiety are common throughout the life cycle; depression and older age have commonly been associated with one another (Mulsant, 1998). Unfortunately, many elderly people are not satisfied and look at this stage as depressing. After years of planning, dreaming, and expecting the golden years to be the highlight of one s life, the increased number of stressors related to aging causes feelings of depression. Depression can happen at any age from birth to death. Depression is a heterogeneous disorder that can begin early in life and have recurrent episodes later in life, or the first onset may occur late in life (Doris, 1999, p.1369). It is already said that depression affects about†¦show more content†¦When thinking back about their lives, they should feel good, but thinking about the failure in their lives they have feelings of depression knowing it is too late to change anything. Old age deepens our understanding, not only of ourselves, but of aspects of life which may have been avoided (Matousek, 1999). In some ways loss is a normal part of aging, from personal losses and the loss of others, maybe friends, status, and/or possessions. The National Mental Health Association s report (2001) on coping with loss suggests that one of the big causes of late adulthood depression is related to the loss of a loved one or spouse. The loss of a loved one is life s most stressful event and can cause a major emotional crisis. After the death of a loved one, one will experience bereavement, which literally means to be deprived by death. When a death takes place, one may experience a wide range of emotions, even when the death is expected. Many people report feeling an initial stage of numbness after first learning of a death, but there is no real order to the grieving process. The recent loss of a spouse is a significant risk factor for depression in elderly patients, according to a study published in the October issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry. Some people can continue to have symptoms of depression up to two years after the loss of their spouse (Turvey, 1999). Loss through death is a common and extremelyShow MoreRelatedEvaluation Of An Article II Development And Validation Of A Geriatric Depression Screening Scale1633 Words   |  7 Pages Review of an Article II â€Å"Development and Validation of a Geriatric Depression Screening Scale: A Preliminary Report† PSYC 1300 Section # 17659 Rishma Bhat 18 June 2015 Introduction: Whereas symptoms of dementia in the elderly are due to cognitive impairment, ‘pseudodementia’ is a classification of depression that leads to psychomotor retardation and passive refusal to cognitive abilities, mistaken for simply dementia. A primary issue with most geriatric screening tests in 1983 is thatRead MoreDepression in the Elderly Essay1261 Words   |  6 PagesDepression in the Elderly Depression later in life frequently coexists with other medical illnesses and disabilities. In addition, advancing age is often accompanied by loss of key social support systems due to the death of a spouse or siblings, retirement, and/or relocation of residence. Because of their change in circumstances and the fact that theyre expected to slow down, doctors and family may miss the diagnosis of depression in elderly people, delaying effective treatment. As a resultRead MoreThe Depression Of Older Adult Depression1667 Words   |  7 PagesAs the number of the older adults is increasing so are those living with depression; therefore, it is important that perceptions around older adult depression be studied. According to the study done by the US Department of Commerce, it is estimated that the older adult population will more than likely double by 2050 and of 80 million and many as 1 in 5 Americans would be considered as an older adult (US Department of Commerce, 1995). There are many losses that accompany the aging process. These includeRead MoreSuicide is the taken of one’s own life among the elder community it is a very common occurrence.1400 Words   |  6 PagesSuicide is the taken of one’s own life; among the elder community it is a very common occurrence. Suicide is common in the elderly because they probably do not feel that their life is worth living anymore. Many of the times they experience ageism that deters their feeling of independence; as far as how they are seen in society’s eyes. As well as, medical issues that brings forth further dependence on others around them. The elderly are not content with their life so they experience a sense of hopelessnessRead MoreWorld s Most Common And Costly Mental Illness1398 Words   |  6 Pages Depression in the Elderly According to Charles Sophy, Medical Director for the County of Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services, geriatric depression is not a normal part of aging. (2010-2015 Sharecare n.d.para1). Geriatric depression is the prolonged occurrence of depression in the elderly. Also considered a mental and emotional disorder, it is known to affect around 5 million elderly of all walks of life, 65 years or olderRead MoreThe Identification Of The Vulnerable Population1311 Words   |  6 Pagesidentification of the vulnerable population In today’s society you will look around and see that elderly single woman is not being represented much at all and all you see is that mainstream is getting younger every day. You can’t turn on your television without seeing young programming that doesn’t cater to an older demographic especially older woman. It is growing problem among elderly single woman with depression. In The Guardian it states, â€Å"Some mental health experts argue that women are unhappier nowRead MoreSocial Intervention For Depression And Social Isolation1599 Words   |  7 PagesSocial Intervention for Depression and Social Isolation Among the Elderly Social isolation can be a major health problem for many older adults (Dickens, Richards, Greaves, Campbell, 2011). Social isolation involves, individuals lacking social connections and engagement with others (Nicholson, 2012). Depression in elderly populations has become more prevalent with the aging population (Pittock, 2012). Depression has negative effects on many facets of an elderly persons life, including quality ofRead MoreMental Disorders Among Geriatrics Are One Of The Most Costly Public Health Dilemmas1055 Words   |  5 PagesABSTRACT Mental disorders among geriatrics are one of the most costly public health dilemmas. Depression, suicidal behavior, and Alzheimer’s are just a few common mental illnesses the elderly suffers from. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention the number of older adults with mental illnesses is predicted to incline drastically. The growth of the population, has caused a burden on numerous healthcare facilities in America and many elderly individuals are less likely to seekRead MoreSuicide Is Nothing At Joke About The Modern Society1382 Words   |  6 Pages Van Orden Caine, 2011). However, 75 percent of elderly who commit suicide do talk about their intentions with some of their family members, but they are often ignored by others who don’t take them seriously. More so, more than 70% of suicide older adults visited a primary care provider within 30 days of death, and while few of them discussed about their suicidal intentions with their primary care giv er, they often showed signs of depression that could have been detected . In order to find effectiveRead MoreEssay on Late Adulthood and Depression1558 Words   |  7 PagesLate Adulthood and Depression Late adulthood should be a time in a persons life where they feel fulfilled. They can look back on their memories and be happy with the way they have lived their life. Now, too many elderly people are not satisfied and look at this stage as depressing. Most fear death of either a loved one or for themselves. This topic is interesting to me because elderly people should make the best of their last stage of life. This topic discusses about getting older