On May 27, 2009, the National Association of State Units on Aging hosted a conferenced call on depression in older adults. Dr. Sara Honn Qualls, Professor of Psychology and Kraemer Family Professor of Aging Studies and Director of the Gerontology Center at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, gave an excellent presentation.
Depression
Did you know that depression is linked to having a serious disease, such as cardiovascular illness? People who have suffered a stroke have a high incidence of depression. People who are discharged from hospital stays following injury or illness are at increased risk for feelings of depression.
Medications
While people with clinical depression have changes in their brain chemistry from poeple who are not depressed, it's unclear which occurs first: the brain chemistry or the feelings of depression. Depression medications are aimed at restoring the brain chemistry.
Talk Therapy
Many older people have medication needs that may make taking another pill difficult or unattractive. Therefore, there are empirically tested therapies for older adults with depression that help resolve family conflicts or internal stresses. Talk therapy with a counselor or social worker can improve one's mood and resolve interpersonal issues. Older adults often find sessions with a couselor helpful since current approaches are brief, structured, and focused.
Lack of Pleasure
Depression is also linked to social isolation and the absence of any pleasurable events. Therapeutic approaches, such as behavioral therapy, help older adults to rebuild or reconnect with pleasurable experiences in life. Often these are small but rewarding experiences that brighten one's day, such as talking with a friend or neighbor, attending religious services, or engaging in fun activities, like singing favorite songs, playing a musical instrument or playing with a pet. For a person with clinical depression, these small activities seem very difficult, even impossible, But once engaged, such activities can produce an upward spiral of improved mood. People who are feeling "down" may be able to use this approach themselves, but people with clinical depression are best assisted by a trained professional.
Physical Therapies
As a psychologist, Dr. Qualls has observed the close link between physical health and depression. She received grant funding to develop training modules for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists to recognize the signs of depression. People who need these physical therapies for functioning difficulties may also be feeling depressed and need emotional support. Dr. Qualls' message to older adults with depression is optimistic: it's treatable!
Dr. Qualls cautions family members and friends not to assume that an older relative is depressed because the person is atypically sedentary, not engaged in usual activities or appearing sad or morose. While these are common signs of depression, the person may be experiencing untreated physical pain, may be grieving, or having other difficulties, such as health issues. She suggests the appropriate next step is a medical evaluation. Given the complex interaction between physical health and depression, always start with your family physician, before addressing possible depression.
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On May 27, 2009, the National Association of State Units on Aging hosted a conferenced call on depression in older adults. Dr. Sara Honn Qualls, Professor of Psychology and Kraemer Family Professor of Aging Studies and Director of the Gerontology Center at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, gave an excellent presentation.
