It is a group of long-lasting or recurring emotions and behaviors that interfere with a person's normal activities. Only a licensed physician or psychologist can diagnose a person with a psychiatric disorder. Stress and loss. Aging is a time of change. For some people, the loss of loved ones, health, physical strength, financial stability, and formerly rewarding career or family responsibilities may be too much to cope with, and depression may result.
Some people have a biological vulnerability to depression.
While these individuals may live for decades without developing the illness, the many changes of aging may cause the condition to emerge in later years. Depression can be triggered by a disturbance in the brain biochemicals that regulate mood and activity. An imbalance in the amount or activity of neurotransmitters can cause major disruptions in thought, emotion, and behavior. Certain medical problems, such as hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, heart disease, and certain cancers physically create the symptoms of depression. Medications for illnesses, particularly high blood pressure or arthritis medications, can cause drug interactions leading to depressive symptoms and mood changes.