Late life depression
Late life depression (also known as Geriatric depression or Elderly depression) is a mental and emotional disorder affecting older adults.
Pronunciation
- IPA: /leɪt laɪf dɪˈprɛʃən/
Etymology
The term "Late life depression" is derived from the English words "late" (meaning in advanced years), "life" (referring to existence), and "depression" (from the Latin deprimere, meaning 'to press down').
Definition
Late life depression refers to a major depressive episode occurring in older adults. Unlike normal sadness or grief, late life depression is persistent and can significantly impair an individual's ability to function.
Symptoms
Symptoms of late life depression can include:
- Persistent sadness or feelings of despair
- Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
- Energy loss
- Feelings of worthlessness or self-blame
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Slowed movement or speech
- Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
- Fixation on death or thoughts of suicide
Causes
The causes of late life depression are often more complex than earlier in life and can be attributed to physical illnesses, such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. Other factors can include certain medications, changes in the body and brain due to aging, and social factors like isolation or the loss of loved ones.
Treatment
Treatment for late life depression includes psychotherapy, antidepressant medication, and lifestyle changes. In some cases, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Late life depression
- Wikipedia's article - Late life depression
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