Four Myths About Depression in the Elderly

<p><b>   Myth #1: Depression is a normal part of ageing</b></p> <p>·        Although depression is <b>not</b> a normal situation for the elderly, it is quite <b>common. </b> It affects roughly 20% of the elderly population, a rate twice as high as the general population (10%). </p> <p>·        There are many elderly not affected by depression. <b>Those who tend to be unaffected have some of the following characteristics:</b></p> <p>•   Social supports in place</p> <p>•   They are involved in activities and hobbies, primarily when retirement occurs</p> <p>•   No previous history, and no family history of depression</p> <p>•   They continue to feel they serve a purpose in life</p> <p>•   They have less severe medical conditions</p> <p><b>     Myth #2: The elderly cannot benefit from treatment of depression</b></p> <p>·        When identified, treatment can be very useful in the elderly. The key is <b>identification.</b></p> <p>·        Just like in younger people, treatment often involves <b>antidepressants.</b> These medications can take a bit longer to take effect in the elderly, but they do work. As well, <b>cognitive</b>-<b>behavioural</b> approaches and <b>counselling</b> can help. <b>  Increasing social supports </b>and <b>getting daily exercise </b>are also important aspects of getting better. </p> <p><b>     Myth #3: There is no risk of suicide in the depressed elderly</b></p> <p>·        Unfortunately, suicide is one of the most deadly complications of depression in all age groups. However, it is particularly of concern in the elderly. </p> <p>·        <b>Statistics</b> illustrate that in 2004, in the United States, 11 out of 100,000 depressed people in the general population committed suicide. However, that number rose to 14.3 out of 100,000 for people over the age of 65. This number grew to 49.8 out of 100,000 for white men over the age of 85 years old!</p> <p>·        <b>Elderly men</b> are most at risk of suicide. Men always tend to use more lethal methods, resulting in a completed s