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- What is depression?
- What is late-life depression?
- What are the symptoms of depression?
- What causes depression?
- How do I know if I have depression?
- What treatment options are available for depression?
What is depression?
Depression is a medical disorder that affects approximately 19 million American adults. It is more than just feeling "sad." Depression can affect mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. If left untreated, depression can lead to suicide. If you have several of the symptoms of depression for most of the day, nearly every day, for about two weeks or longer, you should seek an evaluation for depression. Our Referral Network can help you find a provider in your area.
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What is late-life depression?
Depression that occurs in older adults is commonly known as "late-life" depression. Depression can occur in older adults for many reasons, but should not be considered a typical part of aging. Unfortunately, many older adults and their caregivers believe that it is, and depression in older adults often goes overlooked and untreated.
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What are the symptoms of depression?
- A persistent sad, anxious or empty mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- Sleeping too little or too much (especially with early-morning waking)
- Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
- Restlessness or irritability
- Persistent physical symptoms that don't respond to treatment (such as headaches, chronic pain, constipation or digestive disorders)
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of guilt, hopelessness or worthlessness
- Thoughts of death or suicide
If you have five or more of these symptoms for more than a few days, you may be suffering from depression and should seek further evaluation.
Depression in older adults may be different from that in younger persons. Older adults with depression tend to express concern about and experience symptoms like anxiety, loss of interest, physical health problems, and a lack of caring about themselves or their situation rather than the typical depression symptom: sadness. This phenomenon is sometimes called "sadless depression."
Additionally, depression in older adults can be confused with dementia because some symptoms of depression overlap with those of dementia, like lack of caring and motivation. Thus, it can be difficult for the layperson to distinguish between the two. A trained psychiatric professional who specializes in older adults will have the tools necessary to identify the diagnosis and treat the symptoms in the most effective way.
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What causes depression?
There is no one cause for depression. It can be related to genetic, biological, or cognitive factors, and life changes, or it can occur in association with another illness. Click here to print a copy of factors that may contribute to depressive illness.
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How do I know if I have depression?
The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is a screening tool used to determine if an older adult may need further evaluation for depression. The GDS is a valuable and reliable measurement tool used in various clinical practicies and research programs. Click the link to download a copy of the GDS or the GDS Short Form. A score of 10 or higher on the GDS indicates that you should seek an evaluation for depression. See the GDS Key and GDS Short Form Key for help in scoring the scale.
It is never too late to find help for depression. Visit this independent website for a free depression screening: www.depressionscreening.org. The test takes only a few minutes, and provides several national resources for treatment and information. You can also visit our Referral Network to find providers trained in treating depression in the southeastern states. Our Depression Information Service, at 1-877-498-0096 can also help you find resources in your area.
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What treatment options are available for depression?
Approximately 90 percent of people with depression can be treated successfully with safe medications, psychotherapy, or other treatment options. Visit our Treatment Options webpage to learn more about current treatments for depression and those that are being researched at this time.
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