Memory problems such as introversion, emotionality and frequent crying, slowness in movements, decreased attention, sleep disturbance, weight change and forgetfulness should NOT be accepted as a "natural consequence of old age" and should be investigated as necessary, considering that they may be related to depression. should be done. Because undiagnosed and therefore untreated depression can lead to further worsening of additional medical conditions (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, dementia, liver and kidney disease),
Deterioration of family relationships. and increase tensions,
Decrease in the quality of life of the patient and his family,
Earlier deaths than expected,
Deaths that may result in suicide.
The presence of depression symptoms requires consultation and medical help. is a situation. If the disease is correctly identified and treated, there is a cure rate of 80-90% and patients return to their normal lives.
What is it? How Does It Occur?
Depression is a common psychiatric illness that can have devastating consequences. It can be seen in youth as well as in old age. However, this period may include some differences in the formation, recognition and treatment of the disease. With aging, natural biochemical changes such as deterioration in brain cells and vessels, increase or decrease in certain substances or hormones called neurotransmitters, or additional medical diseases may cause depression. The person's psychiatric condition during his youth, genetic factors (e.g., depression in a family member) or environmental events (e.g., death of a relative, illness, moving from a familiar environment, financial difficulties, retirement) may also be effective in the emergence of the disease.
So How Do We Recognize the Disease? What are the symptoms?
Depression is not a temporary mood. In other words, feeling distressed or unhappy about an event does not mean that you have depression. In order to be considered a depression disease, some symptoms must be seen continuously (for at least 2 weeks) and seriously affect the person's daily life. Listed below are the symptoms of depression. is (those that are described as being MORE SPECIFIC to old age are shown in quotation marks);
*A state of grief, pain, sadness and unhappiness.
*Not wanting to do anything, lack of enthusiasm.
*Not being able to enjoy things that used to be enjoyed anymore
*Feeling hopeless, worthless and helpless
*Don't blame yourself for past failures or mistakes
*Financial, health, etc. rumination on issues, excessive and unnecessary worries
*Unusual emotions and frequent crying
*Loss of expectation from the future and thoughts of death
*Slowness in thoughts and increased indecision
*Decrease in attention and difficulty in concentrating
*“A state of restlessness and restlessness”
*“Sleep disorder (insomnia or excessive sleeping)”
*“Appetite and weight changes (weight loss or weight gain)”
* These can be listed as "Physical complaints" (Headache or widespread pain in the body, numbness, constipation, gas and bloating, dizziness, urinary tract complaints, hair loss, etc.) for which doctors cannot find any cause.
< br /> FAMILIES SHOULD BE CAREFUL..
Families should be informed about risky situations. Because one of the most common conditions that trigger depression in the elderly is medical illnesses. At the same time, the presence of medical illnesses can worsen depression.
*Dementia=Dementia (The most common cause is "Alzheimer's Disease")
*Goiter
*High blood pressure,
*Diabetes,
*Heart and respiratory system diseases ,
*Liver and kidney disease
*Stroke
*Cancer can be considered among risky situations.
In the presence of these diseases, close follow-up is very important in terms of taking the necessary precautions. For this reason, new symptoms (e.g., changes in appetite and sleep patterns, memory problems such as forgetfulness, etc., not recognizing the people around them, seeing someone who is not at home, or suspicious, strange beliefs or behaviors that they will be harmed or poisoned by those around them, restlessness and restlessness) should be carefully monitored. should be examined. In addition, the amount of fluid the patient takes in and out, the medications he uses, and whether he takes them regularly are also checked and appropriate measures are taken. precautions should be taken.
In addition, sometimes depression can be confused with DEMENTIA (PSEUDODEMENTIA) due to intense dementia-like symptoms and may lead to unnecessary treatments and loss of time.
Things to Do..
Elderly people in the family should be listened to effectively by allocating as much time as possible, adequate time should be allocated for their conversations, and their wishes should be listened to as much as possible. Because elderly people may hesitate or be afraid to tell their relatives what they are experiencing because they do not want to cause discomfort, think that they will not be understood, or think that being distressed or even depressed is a "weakness of character or mental illness."
Close monitoring of the patient in a patient and tolerant environment will cause the patient to feel understood, valued and not alone, thus making him/her relax and express his/her negative feelings and thoughts more easily. This attitude is very important for the family to better understand the symptoms of depression, take appropriate precautions, and collaborate with a doctor when necessary regarding psychotherapy, medication, and other treatments.
Diagnosing depression and planning its treatment will ONLY be possible with a good clinical evaluation and a detailed investigation of all associated psychiatric and medical conditions.
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