120 – Depression in Aging: Diagnosis & Treatment

Watch the subtitled video and search the transcript by clicking above.(For a short tutorial on how to search the transcript, see here.)

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

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