Involutional Depression: A Review of the Literature
Depression is a common mental health disorder that can affect individuals of all ages, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Involutional depression is a unique form of depression that affects older individuals, often referred to as “late-life depression” (Luchsinger & Mayeux, 2011). This type of depression is different from other forms of depression in that it is believed to be a result of the aging process. The purpose of this review is to explore the current literature on involutional depression, including its causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Causes
Involutional depression has been linked to a number of potential causes. The most widely accepted of these is the natural aging process, which is believed to lead to changes in the brain that can cause depression (Luchsinger & Mayeux, 2011). Other potential causes of involutional depression include hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, and environmental factors such as stress.
Symptoms
The symptoms of involutional depression are similar to those of other forms of depression, including feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and hopelessness (Yaffe et al., 2011). Other common symptoms include changes in sleep, appetite, and energy levels, as well as difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and a loss of interest in activities.
Treatment
The treatment of involutional depression can involve a combination of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions. For pharmacological treatment, antidepressant medications, such as SSRIs, tricyclics, and MAOIs, are often prescribed (Yaffe et al., 2011). In addition, psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can be beneficial for individuals with involutional depression (Yaffe et al., 2011). It is important to note that the treatment of involutional depression should be tailored to the individual, as different individuals may respond differently to different treatments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, involutional depression is a unique form of depression that affects older individuals. It is believed to be caused by the natural aging process, as well as other potential causes such as hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, and environmental factors. The symptoms of involutional depression are similar to those of other forms of depression. Treatment can involve a combination of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions, and should be tailored to the individual.
References
Luchsinger, J. A., & Mayeux, R. (2011). Late-life depression. New England Journal of Medicine, 364(11), 1097-1105.
Yaffe, K., Satterfield, S., & Lui, L. Y. (2011). Treating depression in older adults. New England Journal of Medicine, 364(11), 1056-1067.