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Depression in the elderly, undiagnosed & untreated, causes needless suffering for the family & for the individual who could otherwise live a fruitful life. And so… So far so good. When he or she does go straight to the doctor, the symptoms described are usually physical, for the older person is often reluctant to discuss feelings of hopelessness, sadness, loss of interest in normally pleasurable activities, or very prolonged grief after a loss.

Recognizing how depressive symptoms in older people are often missed, many health care professionals are learning to identify & treat the underlying depression. They recognize that some symptoms may be side effects of medication the older person is taking for a physical problem, or they may be caused by a co-occurring illness. If a diagnosis of depression is made, treatment with medication and/or psychotherapy will help the depressed person return to a happier, more fulfilling life. Recent research suggests that brief psychotherapy (talk therapies that help a person in day-to-day relationships or in learning to counter the distorted negative thinking that commonly accompanies depression) is effective in reducing symptoms in short-term depression in older persons who are medically ill. Psychotherapy is also useful in older patients who can not or will not take medication. Efficacy studies show that late-life depression can be actually treated with psychotherapy.

Improved recognition & treatment of depression in late life will make those years more enjoyable & fulfilling for the depressed elderly person, the family, & caretakers.

Until the next time,

Warm regards
Gus Hoover
http://www.resourcefordepression.com

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Gus Hoover is an expert on depression who has over 10 years of personal experience. Visit http://www.resourcefordepression.com & get a free copy of his eReport ‘Guide to Depression’ & subscribe to his on line newsletter to receive his latest tips, methods, & insight regarding depression, its causes & the treatments available.
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