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| Late life Depression: |
While most people
feel sad or unhappy at times, persistent sadness may be depression,
a serious illness affecting 15 out of every 100 adults over
age 65 in the United States. Depression is not a normal part
of growing old, but rather a treatable medical illness.
Unlike the onset of depression in non-elderly populations, depression
in the elderly is thought to be a psychological disorder triggered
by specific stressors, such as medical illness, placement in
a nursing home or grief following the death of a loved one.
In a given year, an estimated 6% of people age 65 and older,
or approximately 2 million individuals, have a diagnosable depressive
illness. Depression affects approximately 25% of those with
chronic illness and is particularly common in patients with
heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic lung disease, arthritis,
Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Most disturbing
among depression statistics is the fact that depression affects
upwards of 50% of nursing home residents.
Clinical depression is characterized by symptoms that interfere
with the ability to function normally for a prolonged period
of time. The symptoms in older adults vary greatly and may include:
• Persistent sadness lasting two or more weeks
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
• Feeling slowed down
• Withdrawing from regular social activities
• Excessive worries about finances and health problems
• Pacing and fidgeting
• Feeling worthless or helpless
• Weight/appearance changes or frequent tearfulness
• Thoughts of suicide or death
Families and friends should watch for signs of depression in
older people, because serious depression may lead to disability,
may worsen symptoms of other illnesses or may result in premature
death or suicide. Clinical depression is often undiagnosed and
under-treated in elderly adults because symptoms go unrecognized
in the context of multiple physical problems. Often, depression
in older adults is mistaken for dementia, or the symptoms are
so disabling that the individual cannot articulate their distress
and reach out for help. |
| Avera McKennan Behavioral Health
Services: |
| In partnership
with our campus providers,
Avera McKennan Behavioral Health
Services offers specialized mental health services for children,
adolescents, adults and seniors. Our holistic approach to treatment
includes caring for patients emotionally, mentally, physically
and spiritually. We provide inpatient and outpatient services,
support groups, an Employee Assistance Program, partial hospitalization
services and an assessment and referral line - free and confidential
- staffed by qualified counselors. Help is just a phone call
away.
Call 605-322-4065 or 800-691-4336.
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Physicians Office Building •
911 E. 20th Street, Suite 403
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
(605) 322-7516 • (888) 605-8448
(605) 322-7519 Fax
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