A COMPARATIVE STUDY TO ASSESS THE LEVEL OF DEPRESSION AMONG THE ELDERLY LIVING IN OLD AGE HOMES AND COMMUNITY, PUDUCHERRY

Depression is a state of mental illness. It is characterized by deep, long lasting feelings of sadness or despair. Depression can change an individualÂ's thinking/feelings and also affects his/her social behaviour and sense of physical well-being. It can affect people of any age group, including young children and teens. It can run in families and usually starts between the ages of 15 and 30 years. Women and elderly people are more commonly affected than men. There are several types of depression such as major depression it is a change in mood that lasts for weeks or months. It is one of the most severe types of depression. Dysthymia is a less severe form of depression but usually lasts for several years. Psychotic depression a severe form of depression associated with hallucinations and delusions .Seasonal depression, occurring only at certain time of the year usually winter, also known as winter bluesÂ'. Some of the common factors that may cause depression are genetics , trauma and high levels of stress, mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and substance abuse, postpartum depression (women may develop depression after the birth of the baby), serious medical conditions such as heart disease, cancer and HIV, use of certain medications, alcohol and drug abuse, individuals with low self-esteem, trauma and high levels of stress due to financial problems, breakup of a relationship or loss of a loved one. The signs and symptoms of depression include feeling of sadness and loneliness, loss of interest in activities once found enjoyable, feeling of hopelessness, worthlessness or excessive guilt, fatigue or loss of energy, sleeping too little or too much, loss of appetite, restlessness and being easily annoyed. Diagnose the depression based on the detailed history and sign and symptoms of the individual. Laboratory tests such as blood tests to screen for alcohol/drugs in blood. Psychological evaluation of the individualÂ's thoughts, feelings and behaviour patterns. The most common treatments of depression are Counselling & Psychotherapy, Medication, Electro convulsive therapy. Medications such as anti-depressants are given to help balance chemicals in the brain known as ‘neuro transmittersÂ'. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is carried out in case the treatment with other therapies such as medications has failed. Preventive measures include regular exercise, healthy diet and stable relationships. Statement Of The Problem: A comparative study to assess the level of depression among the elderly living in old age homes and community, PuducherryÂ'Â'.