Old age is usually said to be difficult in itself. If she is still accompanied by illness and loneliness, the chances of depression are high. Although it does not choose age and is not directly related to aging, it often affects people in the third age. It is estimated that 4-13 percent of people over the age of 65 show some signs of this condition, while the more severe form is more common in people over the age of 70.
This mental disorder affects women and people with dementia much more often.
Why is it happening?
There are numerous factors that can influence the appearance of this psychological condition in old age. First of all, there are psycho-social factors. Distance from family, weaker ties with relatives, loss of a close person, as well as exclusion from social life are frequent causes of sadness and loneliness. As the number of years increases, older people suffer from more and more diseases, often accompanied by disability.
Depression can be part of somatic diseases or occur as a reaction to them. Changes in the brain are predisposing factors, especially reduced blood flow and imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Spot her in time
We all feel sad, unhappy and listless from time to time, but these feelings usually pass quickly. Sometimes there is a reason, sometimes not, and usually we can deal with it on our own. In the case of depression, the bad feelings last for months and are so intense that they affect daily life. In the most severe cases, this condition can lead to suicide, so professional help is necessary.
There are different symptoms depending on the severity of the disorder.
SEVERE DEPRESSION:
lethargy, low mood, lack of interest in everything, sleep disturbance, loss of appetite or weight gain, weakness, feeling of hopelessness, guilt, psychomotor agitation, suicidal thoughts or attempts
In order to diagnose a severe form of depression, it is necessary to have at least five of the above-mentioned symptoms that last at least two weeks and are not the result of some other disease.
LIGHTER DEPRESSION:
there are at least two and less than five symptoms, which lead to a change in the functioning of the organism.
Atypical depression:
Seasonal
- is a consequence of the lack of natural light, so there is a drop in mood and work enthusiasm.
Agitated
- they are characterized by anxiety, fear, concern.
Hypochondriac
- characterized by the patient's belief that he is suffering from some disease, which is why he is afraid and worried.
Masked
- depression is characterized by low mood and physical ailments.
Asthenic
- depression is experienced by patients who do not take care of themselves, are neglected and uninterested in their appearance and appearance, but are not damaged intellectually.
Dementia-like depression
- characterized by problems with concentration, short-term memory and orientation.
Original atypical depressions
- are characterized by an increased need for sleep, an increase in appetite and therefore body weight.
HOW IS IT TREATED?
Treatment of depression is possible and involves medical and psychological treatment, and most often they are combined.
Medical treatment includes antidepressants and electrotherapy, and psychological cognitive behavioral and interpersonal therapy.
Along with therapy, lifestyle changes are usually recommended. Physical activity, healthier eating and socializing will certainly speed up the healing process.
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