Facts about Anxiety and Depression in Old People

It is unfortunate that depressive disorder condition is underestimated when it comes to people beyond 65 years old. This underestimation is due to the low number of reports on psychiatric conditions of older adults. Most of the time, their physical problems like arthritis and hypertension are more pronounced. Until recently, it is believed that clinical anxiety and depression decline with age. But recent studies show that Anxiety and depression in old people are as real and as treatable as the cases of younger people.

            First, depression and age are not mutually exclusive. In fact, there is a great similarity between younger age brackets (adolescents and young adults) and old adults. Most cases are triggered by anxiety disorders. Statistical data regarding the disorder is also similar for all age groups. Females and people with lower formal education are more likely to develop the sickness. 50% of adults with major depression exhibit symptoms of anxiety disorder. 25% of adults with anxiety problems qualify as patients of major depression.

How can anxiety trigger depression in the late ages?
            Worrying is a natural part of life. However, it can be a clinical problem if the negative thought persists for longer periods of time. It can also cause restlessness and affect the productivity and well-being of the person. For example, take the case of seeing a bombing incident on television. It is normal to be anxious and uneasy for a few hours after the news. However, the condition can be clinical if you can’t sleep or eat the whole day after hearing about it.
Unfortunately, severe anxiety can be amplified when it comes to the elderly. Old people experience stresses due to aging. They develop chronic physical pains. They also experience gradual “loss in the quality of life.” Problems in hearing and vision prevent them from playing their old sports, watching TV or even reading. These conditions are likely to trigger anxiety which, consequently, may trigger depression.  If this is overlooked, it may result in constant grief and suicidal thinking. Negligence significantly increases mortality rate on the elderly. Being depressed increases fatigue and recovery time from other illnesses too.

Diagnosis and Treatment
Constant attention must be given to the elderly, because they have the tendency to keep their thoughts. Regular check-up with a trusted physician is recommended. If the physician notices symptoms of anxiety or depression, the case must be escalated to a medical professional or psychiatrist. They can be given selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Lexapro. This type of medicine may show effects after two weeks of taking. During this period of drug intake, the patient must be given constant care and attention.
Lexapro for depression in old people is given at lower dosages. Escitalopram, the generic formulation of the drug, stays longer in older bodies. This is due to the weaker performance of body systems. Do not forget to inform the doctor about other conditions of the patient, because they may have conflict with the effects of the medicine. Fortunately, old adults have low chances of exhibiting side effects of Escitalopram.