Information for Patients

Depression is not just the blues and it is not a part of normal aging. It is also not a character flaw or a bad attitude. Depression is a serious medical illness, often related to changes in a person's brain chemistry. Depressed individuals generally exhibit some combination of the following symptoms, which often last for several weeks or more, and may become chronic.

• Sad, irritable or depressed mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure
• Changes in thinking or concentration
• Lack of energy
• Changes in behavior or activity level (such as agitation or lethargy)
• Increase or decrease in appetite and/or sleep
• Worsening of aches and pains or other physical symptoms
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Desire to end one's life / thoughts of suicide

Depression is common. It occurs in one out of 10 older adults seen by a primary care physician. If untreated, depression can last for years and worsen in response to stressful events, medications, chronic pain and other medical conditions. Unfortunately, depression often goes unrecognized and untreated. The good news is that a primary care doctor or mental health specialist usually can successfully treat depression.

Effective treatment for depression may include antidepressant medications and/or psychotherapy. Antidepressant medications are effective and not addictive. They often take up to several weeks to work and sometimes have temporary side effects. Brief psychotherapy is also effective and does not require spending months or years delving into one's childhood. Effective therapy generally focuses on helping the patient solve problems in the here and now. The most important thing to realize is that treatments that alleviate depression are available.

Professionals Who Care

In the IMPACT model of care, a depression care manager (DCM) at your doctor's office can help you manage your depression through antidepressant medications, problem-solving therapy or a combination of both treatments. This specialist is usually a nurse, social worker or psychologist who works with your doctor to make sure your depression is responding successfully to treatment. Our research findings tell us that those patients receiving the IMPACT model of care for their depression showed greater improvements than patients who did not work with a DCM.

Many health care systems are in the process of setting up collaborative care systems such as IMPACT. Ask whether this type of care is available in your health care setting. If not, let your doctor and administrator know that you are interested in receiving this type of care. Many health care settings have mental health professionals who could be trained in the IMPACT model.

In the meantime, be sure to discuss your depression with your doctor. This is as important as all your other issues that need attention. Discuss an antidepressant medication and/or referral to a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health specialist. Once you being taking an antidepressant, be sure to let your doctor know if the medication doesn't seem to be helping or if you experience troublesome side effects. Ask family members to help you take your medicines and get to therapy appointments. Be aware that sometimes medications need to be adjusted or changed in order to make your depression go away.

Self Care

Try to plan small events that give you pleasure, like talking with a grandchild, listening to music or going to the park. Even if you don't feel like it at first, these small pleasures can make a big difference in helping you feel better.

Remember that depression almost always gets better with proper treatment. You may have to ask for it more than once. Don't give up until you receive it.

More Information

Note to patients: This website is intended to provide information about the treatment of depression. It does not provide treatment and cannot provide tools for use without the advice and professional guidance of a physician or mental health provider. If you think you or someone you know has depression please contact your doctor or other professional to obtain appropriate treatment.

If you are a patient or family member looking for more information, we recommend the Positive Aging Resource Center, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. For additional resources, please go to our links page.