These medicines should be taken even if one is feeling better, usually for several months. Today's medications are not addicting. Some older medicines used to treat anxiety do have the potential for abuse and addiction, but are no longer routinely prescribed to treat depression. A. Do not ignore warning signs of depression. Listen carefully if an older person complains about feeling depressed or says people don't care.
Treatment can be more successful if family members participate in care.
Because caring for a depressed older person can be stressful, caregivers should pay careful attention to the need for taking a break from care giving tasks. How to Heal Depression. Los Angeles, Prelude Press, 1994. Mathiasen P, Levert S. Late Life Depression. Dell Publishing, 1997.