We all know that the elderly are prone to depression because of life situations including: loss of family and friends, loss of physical abilities or loss of purpose in life (post retirement). However, one of the greatest causes of depression can be attributed to physiological matters rather than psychological factors. The “biogenic amine” hypothesizes biochemical derangement. Imbalances of amino acids, which form compounds called neurotransmitters that transmit information to and from nerve cells. Antidepressant drugs and amino acids like tryptophan are designed to correct or lessen suspected imbalances in biogenic amines (serotonin, melatonin, dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine).
Even with drug therapy being as effective as it is, the key to treating depression in the elderly is early diagnosis. “Clinical” depression, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, is based upon the following eight primary criteria:
Poor appetite with weight loss or increased appetite with weight gain.
Insomnia or hypersomnia.
Physical hyperactivity or inactivity.
Loss of interest in usual activities or decrease in sexual drive.
Loss of energy and feelings of fatigue.
Feelings of worthlessness, self-reproach or inappropriate guilt.
Diminished ability to think or concentrate.
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
Generally, the presence of five or more of the eight symptoms indicates depression. According to the DSM, the depressed state must be present for at least one month in order to be “clinically” depressed. Nearly one in four individuals experiences some degree of depression in their lifetime with the rates for women being somewhat higher than men.
The intent of this brief overview of depression is not to have you or your caregivers become overzealous in diagnosing a care recipient’s depression, but rather, to make everyone who works with the elderly aware of the care recipient’s potential for depression. If you or your caregivers notice any ongoing symptoms, as described above, please notify the family and/or the care recipient’s physician. Have a professional assess the care recipient. Most depression can be treated effectively, but we must diagnosis the illness in order to treat it.
If you are concerned about a senior’s safety at home or would like further information about preventing falls, please contact Visiting Angels for a free copy of our fall prevention brochure at 661-263-2273.