Depression goes unrecognised in elderly

12 August 2008

A majority of over 65s are being denied treatment for depression according to a report published by Age Concern.

More than two million older people over the age of 65 in England have symptoms of depression but most mental health services for depression exclude people aged 65 and older, despite the risk of depression increasing with age in later life.

The charity claims that "shocking ageist attitudes" held by many people, including GPs, and NHS rules mean that eight out of ten older people with clinical depression don't get any treatment.

Age Concern has launched a new campaign, 'Down, but not out', which aims to improve the quality of life for older people with depression. The charity will be helping older people to recognise the symptoms of depression and encouraging them to seek help. It will also be working with GPs to improve the diagnosis of older people with depression and ensure that effective treatments are available to all, regardless of age.

Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said: "Negative attitudes about mental health problems make it very difficult for older people to talk about their feelings or to ask for help. It is scandalous that hundreds of thousands of older people may be denied treatment because depression is wrongly seen as a natural part of getting older."

Link: Down, but not out

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