When older people become depressed

While young and old alike can suffer with depression in older people there are specific bodily symptoms that can accompany it, says a report on BBC.co.uk. Usually older people blame their depression on external events such as bereavement, chronic illness or another difficult circumstance. Equally important, however, are the neurotransmitters the chemicals that enable brain cells to communicate with each other. In depression, they become imbalanced. Consequently the brain circuits become less efficient at regulating mood, appetite, behaviour, sleep, and thought processes.

In older people, depression can be an offshoot from conditions such as low thyroid activity (hypothyrodism), cancer, and vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency. There are also a variety of drugs that can set off depression including heart drugs such as digoxin, steroids, sedatives, blood pressure drugs and beta blockers.

Older people may suffer depression as a result of retirement when they have to adjust to a new role in life. Their moods often settle down after that until they reach the mid seventies when other factors can come into place like losing family and friends, chronic illness and loss of mobility.

Older people who are depressed are likely to be more anxious and have slower patterns of thought and activity, along with more physical symptoms which may be part of a pre-existing illness or condition. For example, they may suffer from general weakness, headaches, palpitations, constipation, back or abdominal pain, loss of libido. Hallucinations or imaginary illness can also come into play.

When younger people become depressed they usually have sufficient mental reserves to withstand the often accompanying deteriorating thought patterns. But older people may be more vulnerable.

The orthodox treatment for dealing with depression is a course of antidepressants from the GP. These help to restore the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. At the same time older people may benefit from social support and psychotherapy or counselling to deal with the triggers of depression and often do well on a combination of these treatments.

Another option for fighting mild to moderate depression is the herb St John's Wort. This is often very effective but be sure to check with your doctor if you are on medication as sometimes they do not interact well.

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