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By Darleen Mahoney

Depression is a common problem
in older adults. It may be difficult to
distinguish the difference between a
senior who is just feeling “sad” and one
who is experiencing geriatric depres-
sion. Geriatric depression is a mental
or emotional disorder affecting older
adults. These seniors who would fall un-
der “high risk” might be those who have
experienced strokes, hypertension, atrial
fibrillation, diabetes, cancer, dementia,
and chronic pain. There are specific
signs that would tend to lean more to
geriatric depression over moments of
sadness. It is important to be aware of
these signs because there are also steps
to take to help our seniors; depression is “Instead, they show signs of distress by
not a normal part of getting older. Their wringing their hands excessively, getting
“golden years” should be just that… agitated or irritable, or having difficulty
golden! sitting still.” according to Dr. Strem
Some signs and symptoms to look for (www.health.com/health).
would include decreased energy levels, Be vigilant for these types of commu-
and more physical problems, such as nication signs, as well as the physical
arthritis and headaches. Other signs signs, to be more proactive in care and
that need to be addressed quite serious- getting the help needed.
ly would be loss of self-worth, slowed
speech, increasing alcohol intake, drug The good news is there is help! There
usage, or thoughts of suicide. are medications as well as lifestyle
changes!
Because depression is not normal and
addressing these symptoms with our Medications include: www.healthline.com/
elderly can be tricky; pay attention to health/depression/elderly#treatment5
signs other than verbal. • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
(SSRIs)
“Older adults often say, ‘I am not sad,”
or ‘I am not lonely,’ because they do not • Selective serotonin-norepinephrine
want to be a burden on the family.” reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
• Tricyclic antidepressants