Psychology & The Elderly
Depression in Late Adulthood
Depression is a condition in which a person feels discouraged, sad, hopeless, unmotivated or disinterested in life in general. (Anxiety and Depression Association of
America, 2013) According to the Administration on Aging, nearly 5% of older adults ages 65 and older display symptoms of major depression and nearly
15% of have clinically depressive symptoms that effect their functioning
which is also known as minor depression. The commonness of depression among
older adults is significantly higher among those with illnesses than those
who received assistance from aging services (Administration on Aging,
2013). Depression itself has the ability to damage an older person's aptitude to function and can cause health issues and increase health costs as well (Administration on Aging,
2013).
Types of Depression
Major Depression: Displays symptoms of persistence sadness, anxiousness or “empty mood”, hopelessness that may last for a two week period. The episode can interfere with
the ability to work, study, eat or sleep and can occur once or twice in a lifetime.
Dysthymia: A less sever long term chronic form of depression. Though
it shares the same symptoms as major depression, it causes mainly low energy,
poor appetite or overeating, insomnia or oversleeping.
Bipolar Disorder: “Manic-Depressive Illness” is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy and ability to function.
Depression is a condition in which a person feels discouraged, sad, hopeless, unmotivated or disinterested in life in general. (Anxiety and Depression Association of
America, 2013) According to the Administration on Aging, nearly 5% of older adults ages 65 and older display symptoms of major depression and nearly
15% of have clinically depressive symptoms that effect their functioning
which is also known as minor depression. The commonness of depression among
older adults is significantly higher among those with illnesses than those
who received assistance from aging services (Administration on Aging,
2013). Depression itself has the ability to damage an older person's aptitude to function and can cause health issues and increase health costs as well (Administration on Aging,
2013).
Types of Depression
Major Depression: Displays symptoms of persistence sadness, anxiousness or “empty mood”, hopelessness that may last for a two week period. The episode can interfere with
the ability to work, study, eat or sleep and can occur once or twice in a lifetime.
Dysthymia: A less sever long term chronic form of depression. Though
it shares the same symptoms as major depression, it causes mainly low energy,
poor appetite or overeating, insomnia or oversleeping.
Bipolar Disorder: “Manic-Depressive Illness” is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy and ability to function.
The information above was provided by the Administration on Aging, 2013.
Anxiety in Late Adulthood
According to the American Psychological Association anxiety is, "an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes." (American Psycological Association, 2013). Like depression, anxiety can cause a troubling interruption in daily activites and impair a person's way to function. (Administration on Aging, 2013)
Types of Anxiety
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent, excessive, and
unrealistic worry about everyday things (Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 2013).
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is unwanted and intrusive thoughts that can't seem to be removed from the mind (obsessions), often feeling compelled to repeatedly perform ritualistic behaviors and routines (compulsions) to try and ease their anxiety (Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 2013).
Panic Attack and Agoraphobia is a disorder where a person experiences seemingly out-of-the-blue panic attacks and are preoccupied with the fear of a recurring attack. Panic attacks occur unexpectedly, sometimes even during sleep (Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 2013).
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious, potentially debilitating condition that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a natural disaster, serious accident, terrorist
incident, sudden death of a loved one, war, violent personal assault such as
rape, or other life-threatening events (Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 2013).
Social Anxiety Disoder is the extreme fear of being scrutinized and judged by others in social or
performance situations: Social anxiety disorder can wreak havoc on the lives of
those who suffer from it (Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 2013).
Specific Phobia is where people who experience these seemingly excessive and unreasonable fears in the presence of or in anticipation of a specific object, place, or situation have a
specific phobia. Specific phobias commonly focus on animals, insects, germs, heights, thunder,
driving, public transportation, flying, dental or medical procedures, and elevators (Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 2013).
Anxiety in older adults may be linked to several important risk factors.
These include, among others:
Treating Depression & Anxiety
There are a multitude of ways to treat depression and anxiety among the elderly in order to reduce the symptoms, which increases the enjoyment in life (Administration on Aging, 2013). The most popular and most effective treatments, based on scientific evidence, are psychotherapy and medication (Administration on Aging, 2013). More communities have built therapeutic programs in order for residents to participate and diminish any symptoms related to this issue (Administration on Aging, 2013). Current programs that have been deemed successful are:
-IMPACT: Improving Mood, Promoting Access to Collaborative Treatment
Collaborative care, care from a depression care manager, consultation with a designated psychiatrist, outcome measurement, and stepped care (with antidepressant medications and problem solving treatment).
*Please follow the link(s) below for further information
http://impact-uw.org
http://www.nrepp.samhsa. gov/ViewIntervention. aspx?id=105
-PROSPECT: Prevention of Suicide in Primary Care Elderly
Recognition of depression and suicidal thoughts by primary care practitioners, use of a treatment algorithm with antidepressant medication and interpersonal therapy, and treatment management by depression care managers.
*Please follow the link below for further information
http://www.nrepp.samhsa. gov/ViewIntervention. aspx?id=257
PEARLS: Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives for Seniors
Targets older adults with minor depression or dysthymia through 6-8 in-home
sessions using problem-solving therapy and behavioral activation.
*Please follow the link below for further information
http://www.pearlsprogram. org
(Program information was provided by Administration on Aging website.)
Older adults can also participate in exercise that will release endorphines in the body which causes one to be happy! Tai Chi is a martial art that teaches agility and slow movements that create peace of mind and relaxation. Follow the Youtube link below to try it out!
According to the American Psychological Association anxiety is, "an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes." (American Psycological Association, 2013). Like depression, anxiety can cause a troubling interruption in daily activites and impair a person's way to function. (Administration on Aging, 2013)
Types of Anxiety
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent, excessive, and
unrealistic worry about everyday things (Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 2013).
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is unwanted and intrusive thoughts that can't seem to be removed from the mind (obsessions), often feeling compelled to repeatedly perform ritualistic behaviors and routines (compulsions) to try and ease their anxiety (Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 2013).
Panic Attack and Agoraphobia is a disorder where a person experiences seemingly out-of-the-blue panic attacks and are preoccupied with the fear of a recurring attack. Panic attacks occur unexpectedly, sometimes even during sleep (Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 2013).
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious, potentially debilitating condition that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a natural disaster, serious accident, terrorist
incident, sudden death of a loved one, war, violent personal assault such as
rape, or other life-threatening events (Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 2013).
Social Anxiety Disoder is the extreme fear of being scrutinized and judged by others in social or
performance situations: Social anxiety disorder can wreak havoc on the lives of
those who suffer from it (Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 2013).
Specific Phobia is where people who experience these seemingly excessive and unreasonable fears in the presence of or in anticipation of a specific object, place, or situation have a
specific phobia. Specific phobias commonly focus on animals, insects, germs, heights, thunder,
driving, public transportation, flying, dental or medical procedures, and elevators (Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 2013).
Anxiety in older adults may be linked to several important risk factors.
These include, among others:
- Chronic medical conditions (especially chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD), cardiovascular disease including arrhythmias and angina, thyroid
disease, and diabetes) - Perceived (self-reported) poor health
- Sleep disturbance
- Side effects of medications (e.g., steroids, antidepressants, stimulants,
bronchodilators/inhalers - Alcohol or prescription medication misuse or abuse
- Physical limitations in daily activities
- Stressful life events
- Adverse events in childhood
- Neuroticism or preoccupation with somatic (physical) symptoms.
Treating Depression & Anxiety
There are a multitude of ways to treat depression and anxiety among the elderly in order to reduce the symptoms, which increases the enjoyment in life (Administration on Aging, 2013). The most popular and most effective treatments, based on scientific evidence, are psychotherapy and medication (Administration on Aging, 2013). More communities have built therapeutic programs in order for residents to participate and diminish any symptoms related to this issue (Administration on Aging, 2013). Current programs that have been deemed successful are:
-IMPACT: Improving Mood, Promoting Access to Collaborative Treatment
Collaborative care, care from a depression care manager, consultation with a designated psychiatrist, outcome measurement, and stepped care (with antidepressant medications and problem solving treatment).
*Please follow the link(s) below for further information
http://impact-uw.org
http://www.nrepp.samhsa. gov/ViewIntervention. aspx?id=105
-PROSPECT: Prevention of Suicide in Primary Care Elderly
Recognition of depression and suicidal thoughts by primary care practitioners, use of a treatment algorithm with antidepressant medication and interpersonal therapy, and treatment management by depression care managers.
*Please follow the link below for further information
http://www.nrepp.samhsa. gov/ViewIntervention. aspx?id=257
PEARLS: Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives for Seniors
Targets older adults with minor depression or dysthymia through 6-8 in-home
sessions using problem-solving therapy and behavioral activation.
*Please follow the link below for further information
http://www.pearlsprogram. org
(Program information was provided by Administration on Aging website.)
Older adults can also participate in exercise that will release endorphines in the body which causes one to be happy! Tai Chi is a martial art that teaches agility and slow movements that create peace of mind and relaxation. Follow the Youtube link below to try it out!
Muve dancing for older adults is also another way to incorporate exercise, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and add a little fun to life! Follow the Youtube link below to try it!
Gardening for older adults creates a therapeutic environment and allows one to exercise creativity outdoors or indoors! Follow the Youtube link below to gain more information!
The Institute of Gerontology at Wayne State University offers an hour long webinar that gives information and tips on how to detect and treat depression among older adults. Follow the Youtube link below to check it out!
Behaviors
Wandering
According to the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine- John Hopkins, wandering behavior is more prevalent in older adults who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer Dementia (US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, 2013). The wandering behavior is associated with moderate to severe depression, delusions, hallucinations, and sleep disorder among the elderly( Us National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, 2013).
Aggression
Aggressive behavior is most commonly seen in older adults who suffer from dementia (US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, 2013). 96% of patients with dementia have demonstrated aggressive behavior throughout the course of their illness (US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, 2013).
The Youtube clip below is a demonstration of what aggressive behavior may look like when carried out through older adults with dementia.
Wandering
According to the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine- John Hopkins, wandering behavior is more prevalent in older adults who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer Dementia (US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, 2013). The wandering behavior is associated with moderate to severe depression, delusions, hallucinations, and sleep disorder among the elderly( Us National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, 2013).
Aggression
Aggressive behavior is most commonly seen in older adults who suffer from dementia (US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, 2013). 96% of patients with dementia have demonstrated aggressive behavior throughout the course of their illness (US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, 2013).
The Youtube clip below is a demonstration of what aggressive behavior may look like when carried out through older adults with dementia.
Suicide Among the Elderly
There are different diseases and physical issues that can lead to depression which serves as a gateway to suicide such as:
-Thyroid disease
-Diabetes
-Parkinson's disease
-Multiple sclerosis
- Stroke
-Tumor
-Some viral infections
Some medications may also be a gateway to depression that can lead to suicide such as:
-Blood pressure medication
-Arthritis medication
-Hormones
-Steroids
(Suicide.org)
There are different diseases and physical issues that can lead to depression which serves as a gateway to suicide such as:
-Thyroid disease
-Diabetes
-Parkinson's disease
-Multiple sclerosis
- Stroke
-Tumor
-Some viral infections
Some medications may also be a gateway to depression that can lead to suicide such as:
-Blood pressure medication
-Arthritis medication
-Hormones
-Steroids
(Suicide.org)
Additional Resources
alcohol_and_drug_misuse_in_the_elderly_pdf.pdf | |
File Size: | 37 kb |
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aging_and_health_pdf.pdf | |
File Size: | 678 kb |
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anxiety_symptoms_and_disorder_predict_activity_limitations_in_the_elderly_pdf.pdf | |
File Size: | 226 kb |
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joint_trajectories_of_multiple_health-related_behaviors_among_the_elderly_pdf.pdf | |
File Size: | 827 kb |
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loneliness_and_metabolic_syndrome_pdf.pdf | |
File Size: | 66 kb |
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biological_health_indicators_pdf.pdf | |
File Size: | 92 kb |
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