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Depression in Older Adults

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 3, 2024.

Depression is a mood disorder that causes feelings of sadness or hopelessness that do not go away. The person may lose interest in things he or she used to enjoy. Depression is common in older adults, but it is not a normal part of aging. Treatment can help improve the person's daily life. You can help support the person by encouraging him or her to work with healthcare providers to manage depression.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

Call the person's therapist or doctor if:

Where to go for more help if you think the person is considering suicide:

Medicines:

It is important for healthcare providers to know about all medicines the person is taking. This will help providers know which medicines to recommend for the person. The person may also need help setting up reminders to take the medicine each day.

Cognitive behavioral therapy

(CBT) teaches the person how to identify and change negative thought patterns. CBT can be done alone or with family members.

What you can do to help the person manage depression:

Treatment options

The following list of medications are in some way related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

View more treatment options

Follow up with the person's therapist or doctor as directed:

The person's healthcare provider will monitor his or her progress at follow-up visits. The provider will also monitor medicines if the person takes antidepressants and ask if the medicine is helping. Tell the provider about any side effects or problems you notice in the person, or that the person mentions. The type or amount of medicine may need to be changed. Write down your questions and the person's questions so you remember to ask them during the visits.

For more information or support:

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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