Although depression is a mental health condition and is a widespread problem in older adults, it is not a general part of getting older. Due to some overlap between signs of depression and signs of getting older, depression is often not recognized or treated. Elderly experiencing depression may just appear to be lost in thought or detached from reality. When in fact, depression can affect you at any age and in many different ways.
Some causes in elderly may be:
Many of the same signs of depression are noticed, but they appear as signs of aging as well:
As a result, symptoms of early depression may be ignored or confused with other conditions. Determining the factors that may be aging or depression is a task for exams and tests that can be performed by medical professionals or mental health specialists.
Treatment for early depression may include: