Common Myths About Depression
Myth: Depression is not a true medical disease.
Truth: While depression does have psychological aspects, these are accompanied by definite biologic changes in the brain such as alterations in the levels of chemicals called neurotransmitters.
Myth: Depression does not occur in older people.
Truth: The disease is 35 times more common in more mature people than younger patients.
Myth: Depression is a mental illness only.
Truth: Depression’s primary symptoms are mental; however, these are often associated with complementary physical problems including fatigue, headache, and abdominal pain.
Myth: Depression cannot be treated with medical therapy because it is a mental health problem.
Truth: Both drugs and psychotherapy have been shown to shorten the length of depressive episodes and decrease the severity of symptoms like fatigue and poor self-esteem.
AUTHOR: Joshua S. Easter and Sean-Michael Young
MORE INFO: Excerpted from "Depression in the Elderly: Finding the Light"
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