The University of Pittsburgh is studying how to keep Granny and Gramps out of the dumps, from getting depressed in the first place and what to when the feeling reoccurs.
Old people...think retired, get down for different reasons than youngsters.
1. Thinking about dying.
2. Losing friends
3. Losing loved ones
4. Declining physical health
5. Lack of options for enjoyment
Consequently...psychiatrists are trying to figure out how to help the oldsters keep their spirits up.
Some of the methods...
1. Psychotherapy
2. medication
3. combining one and two.
The Pittsurgh study thinks number three is best. With therapy, granny and gramps can learn how to think and deal with any or all of the five causes for depression.
37% of those who relied on medication alone...had a recurrence of depression.
68% of those who had psychotherapy alone...had a recurrence.
35% of those who had both...had a recurrence.
The conclusion...psychotherapy is practically useless....the drugs win.
What do you think is the best way to fight depression when getting older?
Or is it just inevitable that the old will get down from time to time?
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