Depression is part of growing old or it is normal for older individual to be depressed is what most people have in mind. But no, depression is not part of aging. Loss of a spouse, health condition and other difficult changes in life can be a cause for depression. The symptoms of depression in older adults are almost similar with depression in all ages but these symptoms are often times neglected. Management of depression in older adults is similar to the management of the general population which usually includes antidepressant, like Paxil, and psychotherapy. Negative feedbacks are thrown at Paxil for its effectiveness which made
Glaxo pay $750 million to settle charges.
Suicide among individuals above 65 years old has a 16% rate despite the common belief that suicide among young individuals has the highest rate. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 14.3 of every 100,000 people age 65 and older died by suicide in 2004, higher than the rate of about 11 per 100,000 in the general population.
Factors that can contribute to the onset of depression among older adults include health problems, loneliness and isolation, reduced sense of purpose, fears, and recent bereavement. Symptoms would include loss of energy, change in appetite, alteration in the sleeping pattern, loss of interest in work and relationship and persistent feeling of sadness that interferes with the normal way of life. Generally, these symptoms are linked with other health conditions. This often leads to low rates of diagnosis and treatment of depression.
Depression must be managed right after it is diagnosed. Depressed older adults are managed using antidepressants, psychotherapy or both and most shows improvement after.There are several antidepressants available in the market and the effects of each drug vary on every individual. The drug usually takes effect in 4-8 weeks, and all users of the drug should know this.Psychotherapy involves a trained health care professional to deal with the patients depression, suicidal thoughts, and other problems. Same with antidepressants, its effects vary on every individual.Study shows that 80 percent of older adults with depression who has recovered using a combined medication and psychotherapy has lesser chances of having recurrence than those who had medication or psychotherapy alone.
Early detection and management is the key to a well-managed depression. In order to prevent unwanted occurrences brought about by depression, regular check-up is important. Depression is not something that you can easily snap out of. It can be managed through psychotherapy or antidepressants like Paxil. Before taking Paxil, it is important to see a health care provider first, for Paxil also has negative effects like
Paxil birth defects.
