While support and self-care can help depressed seniors, professional help should also be pursued. If you see the signs and symptoms of depression in yourself or an older relative, schedule an appointment with a doctor for a thorough evaluation, including a complete physical and lab workup. This is particularly important since many medical conditions, medications, and even certain physiological changes of aging can cause depression or compound the problem.
Diagnosing depression in the elderly
Before being diagnosed with depression, elderly adults should be screened for common health issues that can affect mood. These include:
• Hormonal imbalances
• Thyroid problems
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Other nutritional deficiencies
• Electrolyte imbalances or dehydration
Illness and depression
When undergoing evaluation for depression, long-term or severe health issues should also be taken into account. Chronic medical conditions, particularly those that are painful, disabling, or life-threatening, can understandably lead to depression. Illnesses that affect the brain can also cause depression through the disease process itself.
Medical conditions that commonly trigger depression include:
• Heart attack or disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Stroke
• Alzheimer’s
• Multiple sclerosis
• Cancer
• Diabetes
Medication-induced depression
All medications have side effects, but some can actually cause symptoms of depression or make a pre-existing depression worse. Harmful drug interactions or a failure to take a medication as prescribed can also contribute to depression. For elderly individuals with multiple prescriptions, the risk of medication-induced depression is particularly high.
Medications that can induce depression include:
• Steroids
• Painkillers
• Hormones
• Arthritis medication • High blood pressure drugs
• Heart disease medication
• Tranquilizers
• Cancer drugs
Make a list of all medications being taken and bring it to the doctor. He or she can help you determine if any of the prescriptions are causing depression symptoms.