Download Understanding Depression

Understanding Depression
Prof. Ellen Greer, MA, OTR/L, C.PsyA
Prof. Luis F. Riquelme, MS,CCC-SLP
Prof. Ellen Godwin, MS, PT
Prof. Rebecca States, PhD
Assoc. Dean William Susman, PhD, PT
Interdisciplinary, Community-Based, Health Education
for Diverse Elders. HRSA Grant #1 D37 HP 00838-01.
What is Depression?
• A serious medical
illness that should
be treated at any
age.
• Often occurs along
with other physical
(medical?)
conditions.
Depression Affects
the Whole Person
 Serious depressions
are “whole body
disorders.”
 Depression affects
the body, feelings,
thoughts, and
behavior.
Depression May Go Unnoticed
 Symptoms are often overlooked when they
happen at the same time as
• Other medical illnesses
• Difficult life events
 Symptoms of depression are not the same as
• Temporary blues or
• Sad moods that everyone feels after a loss
Depression Can Be Disabling
 Depression involves a set of painful
symptoms.
 Symptoms can last for months or years.
 People who suffer with these symptoms are
changed from the way they were before.
 Symptoms can interfere with every day
activities, and become a disability.
10 Symptoms of Depression
1. Persistent sad, anxious or “empty mood”
2. Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
3. Restlessness, irritability, or excessive crying
4. Feelings of guilt, worthlessness,
helplessness, hopelessness
5. Sleeping too much or too little, early
morning awakening
Symptoms …
6. Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating
and weight gain
7. Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling “slowed
down”
8. Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide
attempts
9. Difficulty concentrating, remembering or
making decisions
10. Lasting physical symptoms that do not
respond to treatment … headaches,
digestive problems, chronic pain
Depression Can Involve
Mood Cycles
 Some people with depressive illness
experience cycles of terrible”lows” and
inappropriate “highs”.
 This emotional roller coaster is called
“bipolar disorder” or “manic depressive
illness.”
Symptoms of Mood Cycles
Abnormally elevated
energy
Inappropriate social
behavior
Irritability
Risk taking behavior
Racing thoughts
Poor judgment
Grandiose notions
Increased talking
Increased activity
Markedly increased
Severe Insomnia
mood
What Are The Causes?
 The causes are not
always known.
 Symptoms may appear for
no apparent reason.
 Symptoms may be
associated with a life
crisis, stress or other
illness.
 Depressive illnesses run
in families.
Diagnosis Involves Having a
Good Checkup
Rule out other problems:
• Complete physical exam
and medical work up
• Complete history of
current and previous
symptoms
• Questions about illnesses
of other family members
• Questions about mood,
memory, and changes in
relationships
Depression in Later Life
Prevalence
Over 2 million of the 34 million Americans agend 65
and older suffer from some form of depression.
Co-occurring Illnesses
Symptoms can be triggered by other chronic
illnesses, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson’s
disease, cancer and arthritis.
Widowhood
One-third of widows/widowers meet criteria for
depression in the first month after the death of their
spouse and half of these individuals remain clinically
depressed after one year.
Effective Treatments Are Available!
 Treatment is needed !!!!!
 When 4 or more of these symptoms last
longer than 2 weeks or interfere with ordinary
functioning, professional treatment is needed.
 Medications and psychosocial treatments are
often used in combination.
 Nearly everyone can be helped quickly.
 Individuals or family members with concerns
about the co-occurrence of depression with
another illness should discuss these issues
with their primary physician.
Encourage Anyone Who Is
Depressed To Get Help
 People with serious
depression need
encouragement from
family and friends to get
a diagnosis and to seek
the treatment that can
ease their pain.
 Some people need
even more help, they
need to be taken to
treatment.
Seek Treatment or Referral from:
 Physicians
 Mental health specialists
 Community mental health
centers
 Family service/social
agencies
 Health maintenance
organizations
 Hospital departments of
psychiatry or outpatient
psychiatric clinics
 University or medical school
affiliated programs
 Private clinics and facilities
Support Groups
 Many people benefit from
joining mutual and family
support groups.
 For a list of groups in your
area, contact:
National Alliance for the
Mentally Ill
Colonial Place Three
2107 Wilson Blvd. Suite 300
Arlington, VA 222011-3042
1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Understanding Depression
Q&A
Questions and Answers