In a word: no. Depression is not a normal part of growing older, although seniors are at an increased risk for depression.
Depression affects approximately seven million of the 39 million adults over age 65 in the U.S., according to the University of Rochester Medical Center.1 Depression is more common in people who have other health conditions (such as heart disease or diabetes), and who have limited mobility or other impairments. Nearly 80% of older adults have at least one chronic condition, which automatically increases their risk for depression.
Depression Is a Real Medical Condition
While we all feel “the blues” from time to time, depression is a serious medical condition with specific and persistent symptoms. Depressed individuals experience feelings of sadness, despair, and/or anxiety that last for several weeks at a time. They may also experience:
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies that were once pleasurable
- Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, and/or helplessness
- Decreased energy and fatigue
- Appetite loss or increased appetite
- Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
- Insomnia
- Difficulty concentrating and/or making decisions
- Thoughts of suicide; suicide attempts
- Persistent pain (headaches, stomach aches, etc.)
Depression Is Often Misdiagnosed in Older Adults
Older adults may mask their depression (whether they realize it or not) by complaining about physical pains instead, which can delay depression diagnosis. Additionally, because of stereotypes that friends, family members, and even health care workers have about seniors (e.g. that seniors are “grumpy”), depression is often not diagnosed when a senior individual is clearly showing signs and symptoms. Losing a loved one—especially a spouse—can trigger depression, as can other major changes, like loss of mobility.
Treatments for Depression
There are several treatments for depression, including anti-depressant medications, psychotherapy, and even brain stimulation therapy.
- Anti-depressant medications: Depression medications are designed to lift your mood and ease the feelings of hopelessness and sadness that depression causes. These drugs affect the brain circuitry involved in managing your mood, including three key brain chemicals: serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. There are three major types of antidepressant medications, and your doctor can help you assess which one will work best for you.
- Psychotherapy: Also known as “talk therapy,” psychotherapy is an effective treatment for clinical depression, and often works best in conjunction with antidepressant medications, and/or other treatments. There are several types of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and interpersonal therapy. Your doctor/therapist will work with you to determine which works best for you.
- Brain stimulation therapy: There are several forms of brain stimulation therapy, including electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). These therapies apply electrical stimulation to the brain, which can improve mood and reduce depression symptoms.
How Medicare Covers Depression Treatment
Medicare Part B (medical insurance) covers one depression screening per year at no charge at your primary care doctor’s office or primary care clinic. It will also cover individual and group psychotherapy, family counseling, diagnostic tests, psychiatric evaluation, and other services.
There is very limited coverage for drugs under Part B, which is why many seniors with Original Medicare elect to purchase a Part D prescription drug plan. Medicare drug plans are required to cover all antidepressant, anticonvulsant, and antipsychotic medications (with limited exceptions). Medicare Advantage Drug Plans also cover antidepressant medications.
It’s important that seniors get the help and treatment they need when they receive a depression diagnosis. If you are experiencing the symptoms listed above, help is available.
Consult with an Expert about Your Medicare Options
For questions about Medicare, or for help with Medicare enrollment, call the experts at CA Medicare. We have been helping seniors find affordable Medicare options for more than 20 years.
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