Depression in old age: causes, detection, therapy and advice.

Depression in old age, how to detect it and how to act in such a case.

Old age is a stage in the development of the human being loaded with neoformations and crises that many people have difficulties in facing. Old age is associated in our culture as the stage of progressive decline of cognitive capacity, as well as the period in which the person's cognitive capacity declines.as well as the period when working life comes to an end.

Also This vital stage is also linked to the progressive deterioration of the family role.In some cases, elderly people may decide to live far away from their loved ones in places where they can retire to rest, meditate or live pending a task that pleases them.

Depression in old age

Likewise, old age is usually a time of emotional difficulties, since the changes not only occur in the social, labor or family facet, but also some chronic diseases such as migraines, Muscle pain, rheumatism, loss of sight and hearing. Psychological and mental disorders are often evidenced in many cases, with dementia, anxiety attacks and depression.

One of the most common affective disorders in old age is depression. depression. The WHO states that more than 20% of people over the age of 60 suffer from some type of depression, a figure that will increase in the next 5 years.According to different studies, this figure will increase in the next 5 years. Depression in old age is therefore a psychological disorder that mobilizes the efforts of the scientific community to try to reduce the rate of those affected.

Theories on old age: detecting the factors of depression in old age

Erik Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development (1975) posits the stage of old age as the stage of crisis between the integrity of the self and despairThis shows the need to positively influence the psychological health of the elderly so that they can face their time with the greatest well-being.

Many people conceive of old age as a limiting and degrading This factor added to the loneliness caused by the death of loved ones, precarious economic levels, lack of activity and isolation are some of the triggers that can cause depression in the elderly.

Every year, nursing homes receive dozens of older adults who are victims of depression, which is the second most prevalent disorder after dementia. Although the vast majority of family members usually understand that nursing homes will be able to offer better medical and psychological follow-up to their elderly, few are those who are by their grandparents' side at this stage.

Old age means adapting to new changes, to a new lifestyle..... It is the total consummation of the experiences learned in the course of the human journey, a source of knowledge and also a stage of experiences and longing for the years that were left in the past, and it is for this reason that when talking about depression in old age we must bear in mind that we must not confuse the symptoms with the states of sadness and melancholy, which are mostly mild and transient and are very common in this cycle. Not so, depression is a disorder that has a prolonged duration and a symptomatology that indicates that there is an underlying illness that must be treated.

Clinical manifestations of depression in old age

Depression at this stage can present itself in a covert manner, as indicated by Morice Caballero (2000), stating:

"Depression usually presents under the appearance of a paranoid picture or is hidden in insomnia, pain, or other symptoms that are difficult to integrate into a nosological picture".

For an accurate diagnosis, it must be made by integrating a medical, neurological and neurological medical, neurological and psychological assessment.. The first one helps us to confirm or rule out some kind of anomaly that may exist and that influences the mood of the older adult, the second one, to deepen in the field of the nervous system in order to rule out any alteration in the brain regions, or dementia.

The psychological intervention will depend on the context in which the therapy is to be developed. At times, the work will be difficult because of the complexity of handling this type of case and the slowness in achieving results. Many professionals agree that, more than a specialty of psychology, psychogerontology is an act of service that not all mental health professionals are qualified to perform, due to the difficulty involved and the exceptional nature of each case.

How to help and intervene with an older adult with depression?

a) Each person is different and, as such, it is necessary to be prepared for any peculiarity that may require help for an older adult with depression.. It should be remembered that at this stage it is common for patients to refuse to follow any kind of treatment, whether medical or psychological. In these cases, the best thing to do is to advise him/her with patience to follow some type of treatment, and to accompany him/her during the treatment with the help of a family member.

b) To help to keep in mind the appointments with the psychologist and, in case pharmacological therapy has been recommended (which in most cases is necessary), to be attentive on the days when it is necessary for the older adult to take his/her medication.

c) Perform activities that are pleasurable, such as going for a walk, reading a book, listening to music, etc., etc., etc.etc. The important thing is to keep the mind working with activities that are helpful and learning in order to preserve their cognitive and physical abilities.

Old age is a cycle that we will all have to go through, so we must be prepared to face it in the healthiest way. Old age should not be a stage of uncertainty and deterioration, but rather a stage in which the person can be fulfilled in contact with his family, friends and daily life..

Bibliographical references:

• Erikson, E.H. (1975). Life History and the Historical Moment. New York: Norton.
• Morice Caballero, M.L. (2000). Practical Issues in Geriatrics and Gerontology. Volume I