Geriatric Depression

Geriatric depression is an emotional and mental disorder that affects seniors. An occasional "blue" mood and feelings of sadness are common. However, persistent despair is not a typical aspect of ageing. Subsyndromal depression occurs more frequently in older people. This type of depression does not always meet all of the criteria for serious depression. However, if left untreated, it can lead to severe depression. Elderly depression can worsen the quality of life and raise the risk of suicide. Getting immediate professional assistance from the best clinical psychologist can bring changes in an individual's life.

Symptoms

Every age group experiences the same depressive symptoms. They may consist of:

Sadness
Sense of insignificance
Irritability fatigue
Crying fits
Apathy
Restlessness
Not paying attention
Withdrawal
Sleeping Issues
Alterations in appetite
Considering suicide

Causes

The disorder might have a genetic component. Depression in older adults is influenced by biological, social, and psychological variables. In older adults, aging-related complications may play a role in depression.

These issues may consist of:

Having restricted mobility, being alone, and facing death
Financial difficulties upon retiring from a job
Persistent drug use
Passing away of friends and family
Divorce or Widowhood
Persistent medical conditions.

As there is no single cause for geriatric depression, the right evaluation, and timely treatment from the best online therapist can help elderly people.

Treatment

Treatment plans constantly include healthful variations, medication, and therapeutic interventions.

Medications commonly used to treat depression are:

Inhibitors of selective serotonin reuptake (SSRIs)
Selective inhibitors of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake (SNRIs)
Monoamine oxidase impediments and tricyclic antidepressants( MAOIs)
Bupropion smirtazapine

*Seek advice from an online psychiatrist before taking above mentioned medications.

Lifestyle modifications suggested to treat depression include:

Raising the level of exercise
Discovering a new passion or pastime,
Seeing family and friends frequently,
A healthy diet and getting enough sleep,
A senior with depression may benefit from a variety of therapies.
Creatively express their emotions through art therapy.
Conversation with a qualified online therapist can be beneficial.

Best Geriatric Care Therapists in India

ms. swati yadav

Counselling Psychologist

EXPERIENCE: 1 YRS

ms. varshini nayyar

Counselling Psychologist

EXPERIENCE: 6 YRS

mr. utkarsh yadav

Counselling Psychologist

EXPERIENCE: 1 YRS

ms. neha pandey

Counselling Psychologist

EXPERIENCE: 4 YRS

Frequently Asked Questions

Which treatments are most effective for depressive episodes in older people?

Older persons are advised to use second-generation antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, or NDRIs) because of the lower risk of side effects and safety in the event of an overdose. The panel advises pairing medicine with interpersonal psychotherapy or online counselling, when treating depressed older persons. Seek help from the best online counsellor who can assist you in managing your signs of depression through individual-specific online geriatric counselling for depression.

How do senior citizens communicate their depression?

Older people with depression might not feel " sad." Instead, they could lament their lack of drive, their lack of vitality, or their health issues. In fact, the primary indication of depression in the elderly is frequent physical symptoms, such as discomfort from arthritis or a worsening of headaches. If you are searching for the best "psychologist near me" to address your depression, connect with TalktoAngel and find the best online counsellor to manage your depression.

What are the two main causes of incorrect depression diagnoses in older people?

Any alterations in an elderly person's personality, hobbies, level of activity, or mood are frequently attributed to ageing rather than mental illness. Old-fashioned views about mental health are another possible factor in the underdiagnosis of mental health problems like depression.

Before making any presumptions about depression and its diagnosis, talk to a professional clinical psychologist. If you are searching for the best "clinical psychologist near me", contact us for more information.