Interventions Utilized to Treat Elderly Depression

Everyone feels blue and sad sometimes. This is part of life. However, when a person has depression, they can struggle with carrying out a normal day (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). The elderly population faces many struggles as they age. They face; loss, functional changes, mental changes, and depression. However, depression is not a normal part of aging according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is also suggested by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, that depression affects 6.5 million Americans, 65 and older. Depression in the elderly population often goes untreated, and undiagnosed. This is said to be because the elderly may show symptoms relating to; Dementia, Arthritis, Cancer, Heart Disease, Parkinson’s, Stroke, and Thyroid Disorders (National Alliance on Mental Illness). Often times, this make it very difficult for a Primary Care Physician to diagnose the elder. Once an elder is diagnosed there are several interventions that can be put in to place to help treat depression