Approximately two million older Americans are battling clinical depression , an insidious, debilitating and potentially fatal illness. As a result of this condition, normally cheerful and outgoing people may experience inexplicable bouts of sadness , irritability and tiredness . Despite the prevalence and adverse effects of depression, many do not seek out medical care, thinking these changes are a normal part of the aging process. It's important for people to understand that depression is not a natural part of the aging process , and that it is treatable . People can recover from depression, regardless of age, when they seek help.
Depression is even more debilitating for people suffering from other chronic medical diseases.
According to the NIMH, depression can accompany and complicate many other illnesses, including Parkinson's disease, cancer, arthritis, heart disease, chronic lung disease and stroke . Fortunately, depression responds well to treatment . The NIMH estimates that nearly 80 percent of the elderly with clinical depression can be treated successfully with antidepressant medication , psychotherapy or a combination of both . For patients concerned about drug safety, there is good news. Prozac is the first antidepressant indicated by the FDA for use in both adult and geriatric depressed populations.