Feeling listless and uninterested in daily activities may not be a natural part of aging but rather a sign of depression that requires prompt medical attention. (Image provided by Philips)
SEOUL, Feb. 28 (Korea Bizwire) — Feeling listless and uninterested in daily activities may not be a natural part of aging but rather a sign of depression that requires prompt medical attention, medical experts say.
Depression in older adults shares many diagnostic criteria with other age groups, including persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and decreased energy levels. However, it often presents with distinct characteristics that can be mistaken for typical aging symptoms, according to mental health professionals.
“When these symptoms significantly impair daily function, early intervention is crucial to break the cycle of health deterioration,” said Shin Cheol-min, a professor of psychiatry at Korea University Ansan Hospital. “The longer depression goes untreated, the greater the risk of it affecting physical health management.”
Elderly depression often manifests through more pronounced symptoms of loss of interest, excessive guilt, and agitation. Distinctive features include lethargy, hypochondria, and sleep disturbances. Most notably, elderly patients frequently experience significant decline in concentration and memory function — symptoms that can be mistaken for dementia but actually represent what doctors call “pseudodementia.”
Medical professionals emphasize that when these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, along with physiological changes such as irregular sleep patterns, a formal depression diagnosis may be warranted.
The consequences of untreated depression in older adults can create a dangerous downward spiral. As depression saps motivation for physical activity, it can worsen chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. This deterioration in physical health can, in turn, exacerbate depression symptoms.
“Some patients worry that psychiatric medications might cause dementia, but there’s insufficient evidence to support this fear,” said Shin, addressing a common concern among elderly patients about antidepressant medications. He suggests that maintaining social connections through group activities, hobbies, and religious participation can help prevent depression.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
