People tend to think of depression as a disorder that mostly affects young people, but depression also affects large numbers of older adults. People over the age of 65 actually have higher suicide rates than any other group, including teenagers. Unfortunately, depression is sometimes neglected or misdiagnosed in older adults. There are simple questionnaires that can help diagnose depression in older adults.

Here are some of the warning signs of depression in older adults:

• weight loss and disinterest in food,
• sleep problems, especially early morning awakening,
• irritability, and loss of concentration,
• lack of energy,
• loss of interest in family, friends, or activities,
• suicidal thoughts,
• frequent crying or unable to cry even when sad, and
• slowing down physically.

Older adults who are more at risk for depression include females and people with a family history of depression or suicide. You are more likely to become depressed if you have heart disease, migraines, back pain, peptic ulcer disease, or if you have retired.The diagnosis of depression is a significant one, and should be made by a healthcare provider.

There are many treatments available for depression. The two main treatments are psychotherapy and medications. Many health care providers feel that a combination of the two is best is preferred. Some people will need to take medications for the rest of their lives, but many people can be stabilized and then the medication stopped. There are new antidepressants that have very few side effects and that usually work well for most older adults. Counseling for depression is often short-term, sometimes as little as once a week for a few weeks or months. Depression is not a moral weakness or something you can overcome by yourself.

For more information about depression in older adults, contact the National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association at (800) 826-3632. You can also contact the National Foundation for Depressive Illness, at (800) 248-4344.

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