Living longer depression free : a family guide to recognizing, treating, and preventing depression in later life
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Bibliographic Information
Living longer depression free : a family guide to recognizing, treating, and preventing depression in later life
Johns Hopkins University Press, 2003
Large print ed
- : pbk : alk. paper
Available at / 2 libraries
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Note
Includes bibliographical references and index
Description and Table of Contents
Description
Depression affects people of all ages, but is both more common and more serious for those over sixty. As many as half of all nursing home residents have depression, as do up to 40 percent of those who visit primary care clinics. Late-life depression is a disease with unique risk factors. Health problems, physical limitations, the loss of loved ones, and fears about financial issues all contribute to an increased incidence of depression, which, despite its prevalence, is not a normal part of the aging process. It can intensify existing medical conditions such as chronic pain and is far more likely to lead to suicide than does depression in younger people. There is good news, however: 80 percent of older people who receive treatment for depression make a complete recovery and enjoy fulfilling lives. In Living Longer Depression Free, Mark D. Miller, M.D., and Charles F. Reynolds III, M.D., draw on their considerable experience in geriatric psychiatry to help elderly persons, their families, and their physicians accurately diagnose and treat late-life depression.
This comprehensive, up-to-date guide begins with a discussion of the different types of depression, their causes, and symptoms. The authors then describe how doctors evaluate depression; present the treatment options available to patients today, including psychotherapy, medication, and alternative treatments; and offer strategies for achieving long-term mental health. Each chapter opens with a list of frequently asked questions and uses case studies to personalize the information provided, and the book closes with a useful list of resources for further information, including hotlines and websites. Compassionate and accessible, Living Longer Depression Free is an invaluable guide for older people and their families striving to overcome this debilitating disease and prevent its recurrence.
Table of Contents
Contents: Foreword, by Barry D. Lebowitz, Ph.D. Preface I. UNDERSTANDING LATE-LIFE DEPRESSION 1. Recognizing Depression What is Depression? The Mind-Body Connection Pain or Physical Disability Psychotic Symptoms Suicide Depression and the Quality of Life 2. The Many Forms of Depression Dysthymia Bipolar Disorder Recurrent Depression Postpartum Depression Prementrual and Postmenopausal Depression 3. Medical Reasons for Depression in Later Life Inherited Risk Factors Biomedical Risk Factors Medications That Can Cause or Contribute to Depression Recreational Drugs and Alcohol as Depressants 4. Psychological and Social Reasons for Depression in Later Life Psychological Risk Factors Anxiety with Depression Social Risks: The Loneliness Factor The Role of Personality or Coping Style The Stress Response What Can Be Done about Stress? The Aftermath of September 11, 2001 II. EVALUATING AND TREATING DEPRESSION 5. Getting Help for Depression: Where to Go, What to Expect Which Health Professional Should You Choose? A Thorough Assessment for Late-Life Depression Barriers to Treatment Finding Help in Your Area The Benefits of Treatment and the Consequences of Untreated Depression Advice for Family Members 6. Talking Therapy for Late-Life Depression What is Psychotherapy? Types of Psychotherapy How Psychotherapy Helps Good Grieving 7. What Modern Medicine Can Offer or Late-Life Depression Antidepressant Medication Types of Anitdepressant Medications: A Brief Overview Strategies for Making Antidepressants Work Managing Side Effects of Antidepressant Medication Combined Treatment: Medication and Psychotherapy Electriconvulsive Theray, or Shock Treatment How do Medical Treatments Work? The Maintenance Therapies in Late-Life Dperession Study A Word about Insomnia 8. Complementary or Alternative Treatments Used for Mental Health A Historical Perspective Our Own Perpsective The Alternative Health Care Movement Standards of Safety and Efficacy Alternative Treatments Buyer, BewareIII. STAYING FREE OF DEPRESSION FOR THE LONG TERM 9. Strategies for Living Depression Free for the Long Term Finding the Help You Need Friends and Family Members-An Early-Warning System The Importance of Daily Routine Successful Aging Later Life as a Developmental Stage Planning for the Final Phase of Life Making Plans for Needing Help-A way to Stay in Control End-of-Life Issues 10. Future Research New and Promising Developments Special Considerations of Research Participating in Research: What is Involved
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