In this Article

• How does depression in the elderly differ from depression in younger people?
• What are the risk factors for depression in the elderly?
• What types of treatment are available for older individuals with depression?
• What other problems affect treatment of depression in the elderly?
• Depression in the Elderly Glossary
• Depression in the Elderly Index

What Other Problems Affect Treatment of Depression in the Elderly?

The stigma attached to mental illness and psychiatric treatment is even more powerful among the elderly and is often shared by members of the patient's family, friends, and neighbors. This stigma can keep elderly patients from seeking treatment. In addition, depressed older people may not report their depression because they believe there is no hope for help.

Elderly people may also not be willing to take their medicines because of side effects or cost. In addition, having certain other illnesses at the same time as depression can interfere with the effectiveness of antidepressant medicines.

Alcoholism and abuse of other substances may interfere with effective treatment, and unhappy life events—including the death of family or friends, poverty, and isolation—may also affect the patient's motivation to continue with treatment.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Psychiatry and Psychology.

Edited by David H. Fram, MD, on December 1, 2006.

Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2005

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• citalopram, Celexa - Information about citalopram (Celexa) an antidepressant drug prescribed for depression, anxiety, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, and premenstrual dysphoric syndrome.
• Depression - Read about depression causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and types, including manic depression (bipolar disorder), postpartum depression and clinical depression.
• escitalopram, Lexapro - Explains the medication Lexapro (escitalopram) a drug used for treating depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Side effects, dosage, and drug interaction information is included.

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