Depression is Treatable

Depression can strike at any age, but it tends to be particularly common among seniors. More than 20 percent of those 65 and older experience some level of depression. It is thought that an additional 10 percent who have been given a diagnosis of dementia may actually be suffering from depression.

Signs of depression include:

• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, helplessness, total indifference and/or extreme guilt

• Prolonged sadness; unexplained crying spells

• Jumpiness or irritability

• Withdrawal from formerly enjoyable activities or relationships

• Inability to concentrate or remember details; indecisiveness

• Noticeable change in appetite with suddent weight loss or gain

• Changes in sleep patterns: constant fatigue, insomnia, early waking, oversleeping

• Physical ailments that cannot be explained otherwise

• Thoughts of death or suicide attempts.

Depression is treatable, no matter what the person's age. If someone is experiencing one or more of the above signs, contact a mental health professional for more information.

- From the Harris County Psychiatric Center

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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