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Is Depression Easy To Diagnose In Older People?

5/14/2017

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​Clinical Depression is an illness.

Depression is a mental health condition that affects the way people feel, which puts them in a continual low mood.

Depression affects people of all ages including the elderly.

Often people with Depression suffer other various physical symptoms and psychological symptoms as well. 
These symptoms of Depression can affect the way a person is able to cope in their everyday life and are sometimes overlooked or mistaken for another condition.

Sometimes elderly people can be thought of as having Dementia or Alzheimers because they are having some problems with memory loss and lack of interest in activities that they would normally enjoy.

Concerned family members sometimes assume that their elderly parents have signs of Dementia or Alzheimer’s and do not understand that memory loss and disinterest in activities, not wanting to get out of bed or even get dressed are also signs of Depression.

Some elderly people suffer depression as they find they are unable to do a lot of things that they used to enjoy, or maybe they are grieving for the loss of loved ones or friends.

The older people in our community have a lot of adjustments to make in their life as they age and sometimes these changes cause them to become unhappy and depressed for longer periods of time.

What Causes Symptoms of Depression In People?

Possible causes of the mental health condition of Depression include;
Genetic predisposition to Depression
A reaction to a distressing or traumatic experience known as reactive depression
Depression following the birth of a child (post-natal depression)
Part of an illness such as Bipolar disorder or PTSD

Usually symptoms of the mental illness of Depression will react positively to treatment.


How Can I Tell If I Have Depression?

If you have been feeling low in your mood on a regular basis or a family member has said something to you, or a friend or work colleague has mentioned your moods, you may need to discuss this with your doctor.
Depression has a variety of symptoms and will affect everyone in different ways. 
There are many symptoms that can be linked with Depression including;
Feeling extremely sad on an on going basis
Sleep patterns being disturbed
Lack of interest in everything
Feelings of worthlessness
Feeling guilty
Not being able to enjoy activities anymore
Anxiety
Appetite changes
Various aches and pains
Lack of concentration

If you are wondering if you are suffering from the mental illness Depression and you would like to talk to get more information, support or treatment, discuss your concerns with your health professional.

Support For Those People With Depression

Early information, support and intervention with people suffering Depression is the key to the professional treatment of this mental health issue most effectively. 

Engaging with a Clinical Psychologist directly or via a person’s Doctor, under the Better Access Initiative in Australia (Using Medicare), are ways to get psychological information, counselling, treatment and supporting services underway.

The Swan Valley Psychology Centre provides a specialised health care service for clients with depression and a range of problems. The centre provides treatments, care and support for people of all ages from infant to adult. 

For more information, or to make an appointment, please call us on 
Phone: 08 9379 3580 
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