I recently read this article on the experience our older adults have with depression. It is a well written article detailing the differences older adults experience with depression.
The publishes, National Institute of Aging, shares “Depression in older adults may be difficult to recognize because older people may have different symptoms than younger people. For some older adults with depression, sadness is not their main symptom. They could instead be feeling more of a numbness or a lack of interest in activities. They may not be as willing to talk about their feelings. “
Research is showing intervention early on after the onset of some of these symptoms prevents serious deterioration later on, even suicidal thoughts. This could be as simple as regularly asking how they are, and truly listening to their answer.
A challenge with the article is their reference to using different treatment for depression in older adults always has a medical base ie anti depressants. Current research – ie 2022 publications, is clearly showing anti-depressants on their own are not effective in treating depression in younger adults vs older adults. The author has not included these findings in their article. Hypnotherapy is well evidenced in its efficacy in treating depression.
To read the full article – click here
