Depression has a different pattern of symptoms in older people compared with the young. Anxiety is particularly common, as is the slowing of thought and activity.

Older people also tend to have more bodily symptoms, although it can be difficult to work out whether these are signs of depression or part of the increase in general illness seen with age. Older people are more likely to battle with weakness, for example, as well as headaches, palpitations, loss of interest in sex, abdominal or back pain, shortness of breath and constipation. Imaginary illness and hallucinations are also more common. Senior Citizen Aids

Deterioration in mental function can occur with depression at 18 or 88, but young people have greater mental reserves, so these problems often show up more in older people. However, it’s important to separate the effects of depression from those of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.