Late-Life Depression Quiz
Older adults often suffer needlessly from untreated depression because they don't know the symptoms. Or they may think it's a normal part of aging. Older adults may also fear being stigmatized by a diagnosis of depression. Or they don't want to talk with their healthcare provider about it because they think it shows weakness. Friends and family may think the symptoms of depression are just a passing mood. Depression is serious but treatable medical illness. Learn more about depression in older adults by taking this quiz.
1. Depression is a natural part of growing older.
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Depression is not a normal part of growing old. But it is a common problem among older people.
2. One common symptom of depression is feeling sad for 2 weeks or more.
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Other common symptoms are:
- Feeling worthless or helpless
- Feeling grouchy or anxious
- Having problems sleeping, focusing, remembering things, or making decisions
- Not wanting to do activities that you normally enjoy
- Not taking care of personal appearance
- Refusing to get together with family and friends
- Having persistent headaches, cramps, aches, pain, or digestive problems that are ongoing, even with treatment
- Thinking of suicide or making a suicide attempt
3. Long-term (chronic) illness can trigger depression.
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Depression can also be triggered by the death of a spouse, other family member, or friends. It can also be brought on by retirement. An older person used to working may have problems changing to a different lifestyle.
4. Depression always has an obvious cause.
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It can happen to anyone for no clear reason.
5. Illnesses such as Parkinson disease or cancer can trigger depression.
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Some illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, or arthritis can mask depression symptoms. Studies have shown a link between certain chronic conditions such as depression and a higher risk for Alzheimer disease. But experts still aren’t sure if these conditions actually cause it.
6. Treatments for depression include talk therapy (counseling) and antidepressant medicine.
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Mild or moderate depression often can be successfully treated with just therapy if a person prefers not to take medicine.
7. People older than age 65 make up a large portion of suicides in the U.S.
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Suicide is more common in older people than in any other age group. Depression is often a trigger. Men aged 85 and older have the highest suicide rate of any group in the U.S. These suicide attempts are much more likely to result in death. That's because older adults plan more carefully, use more deadly methods, and are less likely to be rescued. Older adults are also more frail. So they are less likely to recover from an unsuccessful attempt.
8. Most insurance companies don't cover depression treatment.
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Most health insurance companies cover counseling and antidepressant medicines.
9. If not treated, depression can make the symptoms of other illnesses worse.
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And if not treated, serious depression can lead to suicide. That's why it's important to listen carefully if someone complains about being depressed or says people don't care. That person may be telling you they need help. If you or someone you know is in immediate distress or is thinking about hurting themselves, call or text 988.
You will be connected to trained counselors at the
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This resource provides 24/7, free, and confidential crisis support. An online chat option is also available.
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