Diagnosing Depression

Most of us associate depression with sadness – but the two don’t always go hand in hand...

Depression is often misdiagnosed, especially in older people because some of the symptoms can be mistaken as symptoms of aging. Symptoms of depression without sadness include:

• Personality changes
• Isolation

• Loss of motivation

• Fatigue

• Loss of appetite and weight loss

• Changes in sleep patterns

• Forgetfulness

• Combativeness

It’s important to know that depression is NOT a normal part of aging. If you notice these symptoms in an elderly loved one – be sure to help them address it. Depression in the elderly is very treatable and can even help to improve symptoms of other conditions.