Twenty-five-year-old Ben and his 65-year-old dad, Stiller, both believe that they may be clinically depressed. How would this disorder be properly diagnosed? What are some common types of therapy, and how would the effective treatment for the disorder likely vary for father and son?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Depression in later life is usually diagnosed on the basis of two clusters of symptoms that must be present for at least two weeks: feelings and physical changes. The most prominent feeling symptom of depression in both younger and older adults is dysphoria (feeling sad and down). Younger people are more likely to label these feelings as "depressed" while older adults may use words like "helpless" or "tired.". Older adults are also more likely than younger people to appear apathetic and expressionless, to confine themselves to bed, to neglect themselves, and to make derogatory statements about themselves. Physical changes include loss of appetite, insomnia, and trouble breathing. In young people, these symptoms indicate an underlying psychological problem, but in older adults, they may simply reflect normal, age-related changes. Memory problems are a common long-term feature of depression in older adults. Depression is usually treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. In regards to medication, SSRIs would be the first choice for any age group. Older adults should avoid HCAs and MAO inhibitors because of their interactions with certain medications, metabolic conditions, and foods. Behavior therapy attempts to increase the rewards or reinforcements and minimize the negative. Cognitive therapy focuses on teaching people how to recognize maladaptive beliefs or cognitions about oneself and to reevaluate the self, the world, and the future more positively. Cognitive therapy is especially effective with older adults.