TMS THERAPY
FDA-cleared, non-medication depression treatment
Daniel Hageman
This year during October’s National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month the celebration for World Mental Health Day is on October 10th at the initiative of the World Federation of Mental Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise public awareness on mental health issues. The theme chosen this year is “Mental Health and Older Adults, Addressing a Growing Concern” and the topic could not be more significant. The number of people ages 60 and up is over 800 million worldwide; our world population has never been so mature.
This year during October’s National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month the celebration for World Mental Health Day is on October 10th at the initiative of the World Federation of Mental Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise public awareness on mental health issues. The theme chosen this year is “Mental Health and Older Adults, Addressing a Growing Concern” and the topic could not be more significant. The number of people ages 60 and up is over 800 million worldwide; our world population has never been so mature.
With the help of technology and science, we are now able to live much longer than any previous generation, but longer does not necessarily translate into healthier. According to the World Federation for Mental Health report, older adults are losing the role of the “sage advisor” who could spend his or her last years relaxing and enjoying the fruits of their labor and provide wisdom to the family. They are now expected to continue making important contributions to society well into old age as family members, volunteers, and as active participants in the workforce[1]. These expectations are not always complemented by additional support from society.
Mental disorders in older adults, specifically dementia and depression, are having a strong negative impact on their quality of life, preventing them from being productive members of society and living independent lives. It is also increasing the risk of death for many, as mental illnesses often compromise physical health. Mental Illness is also increasing healthcare costs and lost productivity both in the workforce and at home.
Depression is very common among older adults but for those adults who require home healthcare and/or hospital care the risk of developing depression increases. For older adults who have battled depression throughout their adult life, the struggle is almost unbearable. In the United States, for example, of every 100,000 people ages 65 and older, 14 died by suicide in a much higher number than the national average of 11 suicides per 100,000 people in the general population[2].
It is important to recognize the signs of depression in older adults and accept that it should not be a normal part of growing older. Depression during this age stage can be more difficult to treat as antidepressant treatment can be problematic. Older patients are more likely to not tolerate the dosages high enough to produce a response, the side effects can further limit and diminish their quality of life, and many medications have adverse drug-drug interactions.
Let’s make this year’s National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month a month of healthy aging and raise awareness of mental health issues affecting our older population as well as the many depression treatment options available to older adults.
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