AAGP Finds Hope for Depression in 21st Century
Professor David Demko, PhD
AgeVenture News Service
By the year 2020, one fifth of the U.S. population will be 65-plus. A major challenge of managing the health care of this aging population is geriatric depression. Don't be misled by the term "geriatric depression". It doesn't simply refer to depression in later life. Geriatric depression refers to the complicated relationship between depression, illness, and death. Studies show, according to the American Association of Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP), that when untreated, geriatric depression is associated with significant morbidity (illness) and mortality (death).
The rate of depression in people with other medical illnesses, such as arthritis, heart disease, chronic lung disease, and stroke is alarmingly higher than the rate of depression in otherwise healthy adults. As a case in point, the rate of depression in people with illnesses such as arthritis or heart disease can range from 25 to 50 percent, whereas the rate in otherwise healthy adults is about 5 percent.
Despite the relationship between depression, illness, and death ... the AAGP believes there is hope for millions of seniors suffering from depression, as well as, millions more baby boomers who will enter the ranks of the aged in the coming century. The encouraging news comes from a better understanding of depression, its relationship to disease, and promising new treatments. These issues were the topic of discussion at the AAGP's recent press briefing on Geriatric Depression. Here's the point. Many of those suffering from depression do so needlessly, according to physician researchers from the 1,600 member AAGP.
The gist of the news briefing was presented by four scientists, each addressing one of four themes in geriatric depression.
- First, much of what we believe about latelife depression is mythology.
"Many people think that depression is a normal part of aging. It's not. It's not normal to be old and sad," said Barry Lebowitz, PhD, National Institute of Mental Health.
- Second, the relationship between depression and illness can be broken.
"Depression complicating medical disorders in older adults responds well to treatment," reported Soo Borson, MD, AAGP President.
- Third, we can be hopeful about the future because research and education efforts are providing answers. The success rates of drug treatment therapies has never been better, according to Murali Doraiswamy, MD, Duke University Medical Center.
- Finally, there is much that older adults can do to help themselves, says Gary Small, MD, UCLA. "Seniors can be their own advocates by acknowledging symptoms, being sensitive to treatment side-effects, and adopting positive lifestyle habits."
Dr. Borson concluded the news briefing by stressing the importance of prevention. "Preventive interventions are necessary to control lifestyle risk factors, such as smoking, alcohol, head injury, hormone deficiencies, and poor diet, all of which may make people more susceptible to medical illness, and subsequently, depression". Borson added, "We must identify, and identify early, those people who are at risk, and get them help."
Here's the point. Depression is not an inevitable, irreversible process of human aging. There is much that can be done from the standpoint of prevention and treatment. These efforts require a new partnership between patients, physicians, and caregivers who are better informed about the complexities of geriatric depression.
The press briefing was supported by an unrestricted grant from Forest Laboratories Inc and the Parke-Davis division of Warner-Lambert Company. The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry is located on the Internet at:
www.aagpgpa.org where readers will find consumer education materials on depression, the role of the geriatric psychiatrist, and links to additional self-help resources.
Graphic Credit: AAGP, Bethesda, MD.
See related articles in the AgeVenture archives.
Older Adults: Depression and Suicide Facts
New Depression Meds Not Always Better
More Docs Encounter Patient Depression
Response to Female Depression is Depressing
Health-related Depression Higher for Men
AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com
David Demko reports on lifestyle issues and trends in Aging America.
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