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Depression in Older Adults: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
Senior man sitting with his daughter, who is helping him with the depression in older adults that often occurs

Depression in older adults is a prevalent mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and other emotional and physical symptoms. It affects their quality of life, daily functioning, and physical health. Depression in older adults often goes unnoticed, yet it significantly impacts their health and well-being. This condition is not a normal part of aging and can profoundly affect life quality without depression treatment.  Some estimates of major depression in older people range from less than 1% to 5% but rise to 13.5% in those who require home healthcare. In this article, you discover the common signs, symptoms, and treatment for depression in older adults. Signs of Depression in Older Adults Depression in older adults often manifests through various signs that are observable by others, making it crucial for caregivers, family members, and healthcare professionals to recognize these indicators.  These signs, which can be behavioral …

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Menopause and Mental Health

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menopause

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. Menopause Menopause describes the point in time where changes in a woman’s hormones lead to the end of menstrual cycles. It usually is diagnosed after a woman has gone 12 months without a menstrual period. The menopausal transition most often begins between ages 45 and 55. It usually lasts about seven years but can be as long as 14 years. The duration can depend on lifestyle factors such as smoking, age it begins, and race and ethnicity. During perimenopause, the body’s production of estrogen and progesterone, two hormones made by the ovaries, varies greatly (2021). Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that “many healthcare providers actually use the term menopause to refer to the period of time when a woman’s hormone levels start to change. Menopause is said to be complete when menstrual periods have ceased for one continuous year. The transition phase before menopause is often referred …

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How to Improve Mental Health in Elderly Parents

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
How to Improve Mental Health in Elderly Parents

One in four older adults has symptoms of a mental health disorder, and as the population ages, the number is expected to rise. However, mental illness is not something people should expect to occur as they age because aging is not a risk factor. So why do so many older adults avoid seeking help? Some feel they would be a burden asking for help, some don’t recognize their symptoms as mental illness, and some overlook their symptoms due to physical ailments. If your elderly parents experience mental health symptoms, there are things you can do to improve their symptoms and their overall well-being.   Know the Most Common Mental Illnesses in Elderly Parents Anxiety and depression are on the rise among mental health issues among older adults. Among the anxiety disorders, specific phobia is the most common, followed by social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, and …

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DEA’s National Take Back Day 2023

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menopause

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. What is DEA’s National Take Back Day? The drug overdose epidemic in the United States is a national security threat to public health and safety.  The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) holds a “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day” every year as a reflection of the DEA’s “commitment to Americans’ safety and health, encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting” (DEA, 2023).  Last year, there were a total of 4,902 collection sites and 647,163 pounds (324 tons) of unneeded medications collected (DEA, 2023). This year, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is on October 28, 2023. Find a collection site near you using the Collection Site Locator. Statistics According to the most recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of people who died from a …

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How to Cope with War Anxiety 2023

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menopause

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. War Anxiety War anxiety, also known as nuclear anxiety, is a common reaction to the news and images about conflict. This has been extremely relevant in light of the devastation of the Israel-Hamas war. Though research is still being conducted on the long-term effects of war anxiety, a Finnish study found that teens worried about a nuclear war were at increased risk for mental health disorders (ex: generalized anxiety disorder) five years later (Poikolainen et al., 2004). Research also indicates that media exposure to mass violence events can fuel a cycle of distress, and those more prone to anxiety are also more likely to seek out media coverage of crises (Thompson et al., 2019).  Symptoms Symptoms of war anxiety are similar to many symptoms of anxiety disorders. Symptoms may be more cognitive, in the form of worries and anxiety thoughts. Symptoms can also be more physical, …

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