120 – Depression in Aging: Diagnosis & Treatment

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In This Episode:

Guest host Dr. Nicole Didyk discusses the diagnosis and treatment of depression, including why it’s often tricky to diagnose in later life, and how it can be treated. (Note: depression in the context of dementia will be covered in an upcoming episode.) Dr. Didyk is a geriatrician in Canada, and the founder of the blog and YouTube channel The Wrinkle.

She covers:

• What’s different about depression in older adults?
• What are the signs that an older person might be depressed?
• What medical illnesses can mimic depression?
• Which medications can cause or worsen depressive symptoms?
• How can depression be treated in older adults?
• What to do if you’re concerned about depression in an older person

Related episodes:

053 – Interview: Addressing Loneliness in Aging

Related Resources:

• VIDEO: Geriatric Depression – is it normal for old people to be sad? with Dr. Didyk
• Depression in Aging: Diagnosis & Treatment When the Golden Years are Blue
• Older Adults and Depression — National Institute of Mental Health
• Depression in Older Adults – HelpGuide.org
• Depression | Aging & Health A-Z | American Geriatrics Society | HealthInAging.org

Suicide Prevention Helplines (available 24/7):

• IOA Friendship Line (developed for older adults): 800-971-0016
• United States 1-800-273-TALK
• Canada 1-833-456-4566