People with type 2 diabetes are more
susceptible to depression. Although healthy older adults have lower
rates of depression than the general public, depression is still a
common problem that is easily missed. It’s more common in those
who are struggling with illness, involved in caregiving, or socially
isolated. It’s important to spot and treat depression, as this is
key to better quality of life and greater involvement in social
activities. It can also enable older adults to better manage any
health problems they have, such as chronic diseases, type 2 diabetes,
or pain.
One important sign of depression in
seniors is “anhedonia,” which means one stops enjoying activities
that used to bring pleasure. If you notice this in an older person,
or yourself, it’s important to get help. Studies show that
medication and psychotherapy are generally equally effective in
mild-moderate depression, but non-drug treatment often isn’t
offered unless you ask. Among medications, the selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) sertraline and escitalopram tend to have
fewer side effects and drug interactions. Avoid paroxetine (Paxil)
as it is anticholinergic, which means it dampens brain function.
For more information:
- Pharmacological Treatment of Depression in the Elderly (review article written for family physicians; walks the reader through a nice real-life example)
My blogs:
Number 4 of 8 blogs.
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