Depression - Elderly

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Elderly Depression Treatment

Sometimes depression can be alleviated by social interventions to help with isolation or loneliness such as group outings, volunteer work for the healthy elderly, or regular visits from concerned people.

Treatment of underlying medical conditions or the discontinuation of certain medications may alleviate symptoms.

Antidepressant drug therapy has been shown to increase quality of life in depressed elderly patients. These medications are carefully monitored for side effects, and doses are usually lower and increased more slowly than in younger adults.

Neuroleptic medications may help treat agitation in some individuals. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be indicated in the severely depressed if other measures are unsuccessful.