Depression can affect anyone
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. for
people between the ages of 15-44 years. It affects approximately 14.8
million American adults, or about 6.7% percent of the U.S. population age 18 and
older in a given year.
Although anyone can get depression, everyone does not have the same risk or
experience it in the same way.
Older adults suffer from depression, too. Depression is not a normal part of aging.
Depression symptoms among the elderly may be different, so they may be more easily overlooked. Of additional concern, older adults
are more likely to have medical conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, or cancer,
which may cause depressive symptoms or they may be taking medications that have
side effects that contribute to depression.
For the majority of patients, depression can improve with treatment with an antidepressant, psychotherapy, or a
combination of both.
Is it just the blues, or could it be something more?
MDD is a condition that is identified by mood, behavior, and physical symptoms. Most of the day, nearly every day, do some or all of the following statements describe how you feel, act, or think?
-
I feel sad or empty. Others have noticed my down mood.
- I have little interest in the doing things I used to enjoy. If I do something, I don’t find much pleasure in it.
- I’ve lost a lot of weight even though I’m not dieting or I’ve gained weight. My appetite has changed and I’m always hungry…or I’m never hungry.
- I’m having trouble sleeping or I want to sleep more than usual.
- I feel so agitated or I’m really sluggish. Have others noticed your restlessness?
- I have no energy. I’m so fatigued all the time.
- I feel worthless and so guilty.
- I can’t concentrate or think. I’m having trouble making decisions.
- I think about dying. I think about suicide, attempting suicide, or making a suicide plan.*
*If you are thinking about suicide or feeling suicidal, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact a healthcare professional immediately.
A diagnosis of MDD requires that you have a depressed mood (1) or loss of interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy (2) in addition to 4 or more of the symptoms described by these statements for a period of at least 2 weeks. Additionally, feeling this way is change in the way you used to function and it is causing difficulties with your work, your social life, or other things that are important to you.
NEXT: CAUSES OF DEPRESSION