DEPRESSION IN THE AGED AND ELDERLY

Depression in elderly persons is often considered as a social stigma and the issue remains unreported or untreated due to simple ignorance of the family members. Thus, the situation may worsen to such an extent that it may sometimes lead to suicide of the ailing person. In some cases, depression in the elderly occurs due to sudden demise of the spouse causing increased loneliness. Sometimes, prolonged illnesses like diabetes and arthritis or negative side effects of certain medicines cause depression. But, an on-time treatment can cure depression.

Depression, if not treated early, may result in suicides or premature deaths from heart attacks or stroke and even other serious illnesses of the ailing person. Widowed women are much prone to the risks from depression. Even, people who are unable to cope up with stresses in life are at higher risks. Disfigurement due to loss of limbs or diseases like cancer may cause low self-confidence in the person that aggravates the depression further.   In most cases, depression among the elderly may be hereditary or due to the fear of un-time death. Even, an addiction to alcohol or drugs may contribute to the depression in the aged community.