Since children in this age range are at greater risk for suicide, eating disorders, and substance abuse, it is very important that you contact your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms in your child. Depression in Older People According to the National Mental Health Association, later-life depression affects an estimated 6 million people. Yet, only about 10 percent get treated. Causes of depression in the elderly are numerous, including medical illnesses, many medications, and vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies, to name a few. In older people, epression is more closely linked with the presence of chronic illnesses than with a family history of depression.
Older people are more likely to suffer from physical symptoms related to depression.
These include constipation and headaches. Symptoms such as confusion, agitation, and fatigue are also common, and in many cases are attributed to dementia. If untreated, depression in the elderly can lead to suicide. In fact, the suicide rate among the elderly is the highest of the general population. Depression is often overlooked in the older population because it is masked by numerous other physical problems.