Risk Factors For Depression In Elderly People.
_*What Are Risk Factors for Depression In the Elderly?*_
Factors that increase the risk of depression in the elderly include:
- *_Being female_*
- *_Being single, unmarried, divorced, or widowed_*
- *_Lack of a supportive social network_*
- *_Stressful life events_*
- _*Physical conditions like stroke, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, cancer, dementia, and chronic pain further increase the risk of depression.*_
_Additionally, the following risk factors for depression are often seen in the elderly:_
- *Certain medicines or combination of medicines*
- *Damage to body image (from amputation, cancer surgery, or heart attack)*
- *Family history of major depressive disorder*
- *Fear of death*
- *Living alone, social isolation*
- *Other illnesses*
- *Past suicide attempt(s)*
- *Presence of chronic or severe pain*
- *Previous history of depression*
- *Recent loss of a loved one*
- *Substance abuse*
Dr Anshul Mahajan
Consultant psychiatrist