1. What are the key features of depression? Depression interferes with an individuals everyday functioning (Stuart-Hamilton, 2012, p. 248). Depression is a debilitating condition which does not just involve an individual feeling down (Stuart-Hamilton, 2012, p. 248). Individuals suffering from depression may also experience irrational feelings of guilt or worthlessness, they may become fixated with suicide and death and experience extreme levels of decreased physical and mental energy (Stuart-Hamilton, 2012, p. 248). 2. What is the key features that distinguishes depression in older adults from that in younger adults? The key features of depression have minimal variations between the different age groups, however, older adults who are depressed …show more content…
250). Research has found that there is an inverted U relationship between cognitive performance and anxiety, when elderly are concerned (Stuart-Hamilton, 2012, p. 250). The research found that older adults with mild levels of anxiety performed better in cognitive tests when compared to those with high levels of anxiety (Stuart-Hamilton, 2012, p. 250). 6. It is often noted that the rates of depression and anxiety in older adults is lower than in younger adults. Why might this not actually be the case? Older adults are said to experience lower rates of depression and anxiety when compared to younger adults (Stuart-Hamilton, 2012, p. 250). But, anxiety is one of the most common mental illnesses in all age groups and it commonly found in individuals suffering from depression and dementia (Stuart-Hamilton, 2012, p. 25). Furthermore, older adults may not disclose symptoms or play down their symptoms of anxiety (Stuart-Hamilton, 2012, p. 250). 7. What is a common and very worrying side effect of neuroleptic drugs (anti-psychotics and tranquilisers)? The side effects of neuroleptic drugs include lowered cognitive functioning and for individuals suffering from dementia it can accelerate their rate of decline (Stuart-Hamilton, 2012, p.
Clozapine is used on a limited basis because of the risk of agranullocytosis, where white blood cells are destroyed faster than they are produced, causing the individual to be prone to other illnesses. Two other drugs, either one typical and one atypical, or two atypical medications are used and deemed ineffective before clozapine is used due to the this serious side effect, agranullocytosis. Even thought this risk happens to be small, 1% to 2%, the drug is normally viewed in the psychiatric field as a method of last resort.(Kentridge, 1995) The most common explanation for what occurs in the brain of a schizophrenic is the dopamine hypothesis, where certain areas of the brain have excessive activity at certain dopamine receptors.(Kalat, 2004) This theory will be a reoccurring theme when explaining how clozapine interacts with the body.
Psychoactive drugs can be defined as 'chemicals that influence consciousness or behaviour by altering the brains chemical message system' (Schacter et al, 2012). Different drugs can affect the brain in different ways either by intensifying or dulling transmissions. They will alter neural connections by preventing neurotransmitters bonding to the post synaptic neurons in the brain, inhibiting the re-uptake of neurotransmitters or enhancing the bonding and transmission of neurotransmitters.
Psychiatric reactions. Should behavioural effects be experiences, patient should stop taking the drug and see a doctor.
Depression is a common mental disorder that affects approximately 350 million people worldwide (World Health Organization (WHO), 2014). At its worst, depression may lead to suicide, with an approximate 1 million deaths per year (WHO, 2014). Since depression is a mood disorder, it can affect many aspects of health, and it may prevent older adults from enjoying life (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2010). Older adults living with depression may suffer from sleep disturbances, aches and pains, fatigue, and changes in weight...
Of the estimated 35 million people in the U.S. that are over the age of 65, 6.5 million are in need of some sort of mental health services. (Comer, 2004) However, less than 20% receive treatment (Benek-Higgins, 2008). According to the American Psychiatric Association, there may be instances where a person may not report a depressed mood or sadness, since many including those in the elderly population, may deny such feelings (APA, 1994).Anxieties, irritability, not able t...
Pine, D. S. , Cohen, P. , Curley, D. , Brook, J. & Ma, Y. (1998). The Risk for Early - Adulthood Anxiety and Depressive Disorders in Adolescence With Anxiety and Depressive Disorders. Arch Gen Psychiatry, 56-64.
Depression affects approximately 5% of the population at any one time, with depressive symptoms being more common in people over 65, with prevalence estimates ranging from 10 to 15% (Baldwin, 1995). Depression in nursing homes has been recognized as especially problematic states Ames, (1994). Depression is not a normal consequence of aging, and it is known to be under-recognized and under-treated, especially in hospitals, outpatient settings, and nursing homes. (Patry, 2004).
Depression is defined as "a state of despondency marked by feelings of powerlessness and hopelessness" (Coon, 2001). Some people can mix up depression with just having the blues because of a couple of bad days or even weeks. It is already said that depression affects about one sixth of the population or more (Doris, Ebmeier, Shajahan, 1999). Depression can happen in any age range from birth to death. The cause of depression is still obscure and becoming clear that a number of diverse factors are likely to be implicated, both genetic and environmental. Some causes are leading stressful lives, genetic factors, a previous depressive episode, and the personality trait neuroticism (Doris, et al., 1999).
If prescribed a neuroleptic drug, Nash would most likely follow in the footsteps of other patients suffering from schizophrenia and decide that the side effects of the medication are more unbearable the symptoms of the disorder itself. New drugs are being made in order to address the issue of undesirable and intolerable side effects of conventional antipsychotic drugs.
Sivertsen, Heidi, et al. "Depression and Quality of Life in Older Persons: A Review." Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders, vol. 40, no. 5-6, 2015, pp. 311-339. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1159/000437299.
Late life depression affects about 7 million Americans 65 and older, but only 10 percent seek out and receive treatment (Depression in the Elderly: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments). Depression symptoms are different for every individual and sometimes the elderly can confuse mental illness to be side effects of medications they are currently taking. Medications such as steroids, benzodiazepines, and beta blockers may cause symptoms of depression. Also end of life changes such as loss of independence, being alone, and grief from a loss of a spouse are commonly linked to depression of the elderly. As individuals grow in age, neurotransmitters associated with well-being and happiness such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine begins to diminish (Elderly Depression: Depression and
The writers of this article conducted a door to door survey about the prevalence of depression in a small urban elderly population of 65 years or over in Turkey; and what puts that population both locally and globally at risk of developing depression in the late phase of life. The researchers (Yaka, Keskinoglu, Ucku, Yener & Tunca, 2014, p. 150), believe that by 2020 “the second leading cause of disease burden” will be depression in older adults and conclude that health care professionals need to be able to education, recognize, and care for elderly patients diagnosed with depression. As well as emphasising the importance of understanding the effects that chronic disease has on a person’s health and wellbeing (Yaka, Keskinoglu, Ucku, Yener & Tunca, 2014, p.
There are many people in the world who are struggling with the disease depression. Depression is the state in which a person feels very sad, hopeless and unimportant. The thing about depression is that it affects both genders and any ages. Depression is something that deserves full attention. For many reasons doctors believe that when a person has depression, they have to start taking medication for it as if medications help. People are becoming more dependent on antidepressants when there are other techniques for dealing with depression.
People with depression may oversleep or sleep for fewer hours. Depression also influences one’s energy levels, regardless of the amount of sleep. Some depressed people may become nervous and easily agitated, pacing rapidly or constantly fidgeting. Many experience extreme lethargy, losing motivation and will to carry on. An incredibly common feeling is depression is the feeling of a burden too great. This may be standards of other people, social anxiety, or traumatic experiences. Depressed people may also have difficulty thinking, poor concentration, and problems with memory. The feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, guilt, and self-blame are those among the most commonly recorded. This leads to the major influence of depression on the world, suicidal thoughts and actions. At least fifteen percent of seriously depressed people commit suicide, successfully. In return, ninety percent of people who kill themselves have depression or a mental illness in relation to depression. In some severe cases, people with depression experience psychotic symptoms, including delusions and
Depression can interfere with normal functioning, and frequently causes problems with work, social life and family life. It causes pain and suffering not only to those who have a disorder, but also to those who care about them. Serious depression has been known to destroy family life as well as the life of the depressed person.