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Why are the Elderly Being Ignored?
The researches sent doctors a description of a hypothetical patient named Sam. Some doctors were told that Sam was 38 years old and employed, while others were told that he was 78 years old and retired. All of the doctors were asked 21 questions about how they would diagnose Sam's condition. All but 3 of the 215 physicians surveyed said they would consider depression as a diagnosis, and 94% agreed that Sam could be suicidal. However, even though the diagnosis were the same regardless of Sam's age, the doctors reported less willingness to treat the older Sam's depression and suicidal thoughts. In fact, doctors reported that a suicidal statement made by older patients was more normal, rational, and acceptable than an identical statement made by younger patients. Most doctors expressed discouragement about the effectiveness of treatments for depressed and suicidal elderly patients and they leaned towards believing the same treatments are more effective for younger people. These results raise concern, especially since an older adult commits suicide about every 70 minutes in the U.S. The elderly make up 13% of the general population, but they account for 25% of suicides. Depression in the older adult community is easily treated, but signs and symptoms are often ignored. Many of the elderly who are referred to hospitals because of neglect are also suffering from depression and dementia. A recent study shows that 62% of elderly seen at a clinic for reasons of abuse suffered from depression, compared to 12% who came to the clinic for other reasons. Diagnosing depression in the elderly is extremely important, because depression is often the number one reason why the elderly cannot take care of themselves, or why other people refuse to offer them quality care. And while the abused elderly are more likely to be depressed, it is also true that the depressed elderly are more likely to fall victims to abuse. The majority of older adults who suffer from depression and mental illness never get treatment or the help they need. Most older adults feel that depression, fear of death, and a sense of not belonging are normal, given their age. Many of the elderly view mental problems as a weakness, not an illness. Yet many more are afraid of having their freedom taken away from them by being put in a nursing home or some other restrictive treatment center. Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article Why Are The Elderly Being Ignored? in Mental Health Advocacy is owned by . Permission to republish Why Are The Elderly Being Ignored? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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