Sometimes emotions like sadness, irritability, anger, paranoia, or hostility may dominate the behavior of a depressed person. It is not uncommon for depression to be confused with dementia or memory loss. Underlying symptoms of depression often are signaled by health complaints for which there is no medical basis. Many times, older people express emotional distress in terms of bodily symptoms. Physical illness and depression can occur at the same time in an individual, which can make an accurate diagnosis difficult.
Untreated depression can worsen or complicate a coexisting medical problem.
Back to Top Warning signs Family members and friends need to recognize the common signs of depression so professional help, if needed, can be sought. Remember, there is no single sign of depression. An accurate assessment of depression often depends on observation of a cluster of symptoms. Depression's main feature is persistent sadness that may last for two weeks or more. It will be accompanied by changes in the person's usual patterns, behavior, or moods.