The role of age
Age plays an important role in the way in which depression is expressed.
Elderly people
Depression is commonly under diagnosed in the elderly as its presentation is often less obvious than it is in younger people. In addition, the older generations may be less comfortable talking to their doctors about their symptoms than their younger counterparts.
A recent Australian study discovered that around three quarters of elderly male suicide victims were depressed, but less than one third were receiving psychiatric care. Australian men aged 65 years and over have the highest suicide rate in the country, with around 29 suicides per 100,000.
The cardinal features of depression are low mood and loss of interest. However, older people are less likely to acknowledge feeling depressed and may attribute their symptoms to their age, rather than considering depression. There are many physical symptoms which are linked to depression in elderly people. These include weight or appetite changes, constipation and sleeping problems. On the other hand, symptoms that suggest depression in other age groups - such as weight loss and low libido - don’t always signal depression in older people.
Risk factors for depression in the elderly include:
- Family history of depression
- Past history of depression
- Abuse of drugs and alcohol
- Bereavement
- Experiences of loss, such as retirement, retrenchment or empty nest syndrome
- Stress
- Chronic illness
- Chronic pain
- Lack of social or support networks
- Reduction in activities
- Loss of independence
- Some medications
Young people
Depression in young people may also manifest quite differently to adults. In young people, symptoms also vary depending on the age group of the affected person.
In young children in the years up to puberty, symptoms may be:
- Obvious or reported low mood
- loss of interest in normal play and activities
- withdrawal (home and school)
- uncharacteristic behaviour e.g.stealing or bullying
- tiredness, particularly in the afternoon
- sleep problems
- bed wetting
In adolescence, some of the symptoms to watch out for are:
- Becoming socially withdrawn
- Decline in performance at school
- Increased risk-taking behaviour (e.g. reckless driving, sex etc)
- Drug and/or alcohol abuse.
- minor physical problems (used as a disguised appeal for help)
- eating disorder
If you think your son or daughter, or a young person you are close to, might be depressed, it is very important to have them assessed by a General Practitioner. The GP will then refer them to a child and adolescent psychiatrist or mental health worker as appropriate.
Help for Young People:
Kids Help Line 1800 551 800
Lifeline 131 114
Youthline Sydney 02 9951 5522 and Parramatta 02 9633 3666
your local school or TAFE Counsellor
your local Community Health Centre (see white pages Health Services listing)