Depression is a problem for many elderly Americans, and the problem could be growing. As the older population increases, so will the problem of depression. Depression in the elderly is a risk factor for death and suicide, with suicide rates in Americans aged 80 to 84 more than double the rates for the population at large. Depression can increase risk of death from heart attack and other physical illnesses common in the elderly, and many doctors miss the warning signs of depression because these symptoms can be confused with symptoms of physical illness, or simply be mistaken for the slowing down that comes with old age.
But there is a ray of hope for those treating depression in the elderly. One possible contributing factor for increased risk of depression in the elderly is the loss of social support, and a recent study showed that providing depressed, elderly patients with social support programs may decrease the incidence of depression.
Researchers at the Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, Weil Cornell Medical College, investigated whether social service interventions and social support could have an effect on depressive symptoms. Fifty-six homebound clients averaging 82 years of age were used in the study and assessed for depression, quality of life, and functional autonomy.
At the beginning of the study, 33 percent of the patients displayed depressive symptoms. At six-month follow-up, the number displaying depressive symptoms decreased. Eleven percent improved on the Functional Autonomy Scale, and an amazing 63 percent showed an improvement of quality of life. The researchers concluded that depressive symptoms had an effect on quality of life and functional autonomy, but the patients with more social support showed improvement across the board.
This is great news for those treating depression in the elderly. Doctors, families, and volunteers can create social support programs for patients when depression becomes a problem. Social support programs designed for all elderly patients may also reduce the risk of developing depression in the first place, increasing both emotional and physical health. Nursing homes, doctors, hospices, and all entities involved in caring for elderly patients can use this information to make positive changes, and to give their patients a higher quality of life free from depression.
© Copyright 2007 Insight Journal Online Magazine.
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Depression Learning Center [InsightJournal.com]
Study: Outcomes of community-based social service interventions in homebound elders. [NIH.gov]
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