What is depression?

Depression is not just another case of the blues. It is a treatable illness marked by overwhelming feelings of sadness and worthlessness and/or an incapacity to feel pleasure. People suffering from depression experience less interest in things that used to bring satisfaction such as hobbies, work, volunteer activities, or personal relationships.  Eating and sleeping patterns may be disrupted as well. Some people may have trouble remembering things or making decisions.

It is understandable that circumstances such as the death of a loved one or a medical illness may bring on sad feelings. However, when these feelings are severe or persist for a long time, it is important to seek help from a physician or mental health expert.

Unfortunately, many people have misperceptions about depression.  Although depression can occur at any age, it may look different in older people. Rather than complaining of feeling sad, there is often a focus on physical symptoms such as pain or stomach problems. In addition, in later life symptoms of depression such as sadness in response to physical and social losses may be mistakenly considered “normal.” Left untreated, however, depression creates more disability, increases the likelihood of developing other medical problems, leads to unnecessary suffering, and may bring about an untimely death. Diagnosis and treatment by a psychiatrist specializing in geriatrics is optimal.

Who is likely to become depressed?

Anybody is vulnerable to depression, particulary if a person is suffering from an illness, disability, or the death of a loved one. Previous episodes or a family history of depression increase the likelihood of late-life depression. Heavy users of alcohol or drugs also experience more episodes of depression. Certain medical diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, or Parkinson’s disease, are risk factors for depression. Finally, people suffering from a disability like impaired vision or chronic pain are also at risk.

What causes depression?

Depression can have psychological, physical, and interpersonal causes.  At times, depression may result from understandable disappointments in life such as death of a loved one, job loss, or a disability. However, depression may also be a symptom of a medical illness such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, thyroid problems, Parkinson’s disease, or Alzheimer’s disease. Medications used to treat high blood pressure, steroids, sleeping pills, and alcohol can cause depression. There is also evidence that depression may be linked to genetic factors. Women are more likely to become depressed than men.

What are the symptoms of depression?

• Sadness

• Anxiety

• Irritable mood

• Apathy, loss of usual interests

• Hopelessness

• Feeling worthless

• Guilt

• Poor concentration

• Difficulty making decisions

• Change in appetite

• Change in sleeping patterns

• Loss of energy, fatigue

• Feeling that life is not worth living; thoughts of suicide

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please seek help. Depression is treatable.

How is depression treated?

Depression is best treated by first identifying any potential medical causes. When medical causes are involved, appropriate treatment leads to improved mood and outlook. Also, psychological support and antidepressant medications can reverse the symptoms of depression, even in the presence of multiple physical and medical problems.  Antidepressant medications work by restoring brain chemistry to a normal state to alleviate depressive symptoms. Antidepressant medications are safe, not addictive, and have few side effects. For some people, depression is best treated by electric convulsive therapy (ECT). Modern ECT is safe, humane, painless, and an extremely effective way of treating depression. In extreme cases of depression, for example from Alzheimer’s disease, a short hospital stay may be necessary for acute treatment.