Depression in the elderly: causes, symptoms and treatment options

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Depression is one of the most common diseases of the nervous system, especially in the elderly. What are the symptoms and how to help the person?

This mental disorder is much more common in women than in men, and tends to be delayed, and then becomes chronic condition "grim despair." But do not panic, because there is always a solution - with proper treatment of the illness can be suspended or even overcome.

What can cause senile depression?

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In most cases, of course, is the retirement - a person loses his favorite work and communication with others, resulting in a feeling of uselessness and helplessness. All this leads to depression, as well as all available aggravation of chronic diseases.

Changing the material conditions and social status, too, can cause nervous system disorders. Often, senior citizens feel left out and resentful because they have to live on one allowance, which is only enough for some of life's necessary. "But you could live quite differently, but it's too late, and no way back" - these thoughts plague the human day-to-day, and then lead to stress.

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Loneliness - the most common cause of a depressive state. Children grow up, create their family and due to concerns pay less and less time with their parents, which negatively affects their psyche and subconscious.

The loss of near and dear person - inevitably raises questions about his age, about his past life and the thought of his own death.
Chronic intake of certain medications, chronic alcoholism, as well as genetic predisposition - all this can be one of the causes of depression, which older people struggle extremely difficult.

Unlike dementiaDepression - this phenomenon is reversible, which can be treated with special drugs. But first, you need to recognize its characteristic symptoms and signs.

Symptoms of depression in the elderly

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  • mood swings;
  • sleep disturbance;
  • appetite disorders;
  • bad state of health;
  • increased anxiety and concern for yourself and loved ones;
  • depression, accompanied by sadness and discouragement;
  • longing and indifference to the world around them;
  • confusion, memory impairment;
  • reckless accusations towards the close - to blame for everything, but not the "I";
  • aggression flashand tearfulness;
  • apathy and hopelessness;
  • feelings of uselessness.

In most cases, elderly people who are in this state are very fond of "playing to the public", namely the presence of relatives is not breaking off to complain about life, poor health and lack of attention on the part of others. But most interesting is that in their absence, they immediately switched - go about their business as if nothing had happened.

Patients with advanced age is very rarely take extended their diagnosis, but if depression is not treated, the disease "destroy" human, both morally and physically. Therefore, it is important to set the patient in the desired fashion, and then success will be guaranteed.

depression treatment

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Sometimes depression requires complex treatment - doctors have resorted to both national methods and to medical intervention.

The natural antidepressants include herbs such as St. John's wort, peppermint, lemon balm, rosemary, motherwort, valerian and others. Tinctures and decoctions from natural herbs help to relieve nervous tension and thus, do not cause harm to the body.

Besides them, there are more powerful effective medications - antidepressantsWhich are issued strictly on prescription, given the individual tolerance and the characteristics of each patient. It is very important the correct dosage for an elderly person and, of course, compatibility with other medicines.

And, of course, plays a very important role psychotherapyIn which the patient requires, like no other. In this case, the best remedy will love and care for the family and close friends.

Very important divert the sick man from his normal rhythm of life - to live together with him, surrounded by attention and warmth, watch his diet, observe daily routine and even try to instill a love for the sport.

Love yourself, love life and enjoy each day!And then no depression you will not be terrible!

Also be sure to ask about how to grow old opposite signs of the zodiac

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