Depression Treatment for Teens and Seniors: What Are Your Options

Depression can affect everybody, even teenagers and seniors. However, treatment may differ across age categories, medical histories, and circumstances. At MDDCare, we recognize that finding appropriate care is difficult, especially when a loved one’s mental health fluctuates through different life stages. In this article, we will define what depression may appear like in adolescents and emerging seniors, and how to find care locally.

Depression in Teens: What to Know

Teenagers are already going through a time of major emotional and physical changes, so it can make it hard to tell when something more serious is going on. Most people assume that mood swings, withdrawal, or irritability are just teen behavior, but it can also be signs of depression. Some key symptoms of depression in teens are:

• Losing interest in activities they once enjoyed 
• Sudden changes in sleep patterns or appetite 
• Trouble concentrating or falling grades
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Showing frequent signs of sadness, anger, hopelessness

Treatment Options for Teens

The most common treatment for teens with depression is talk therapy. Specifically, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). These therapies can help teens identify and change negative thought patterns and help manage their intense emotions. In moderate to severe cases, a doctor may also prescribe antidepressant medications, such as SSRIs. These are prescribed with caution and patients are monitored carefully.

Is TMS or Spravato Approved for Teens?

In a major breakthrough, the FDA approved TMS in adolescents 15 years and older. This means that qualifying teens now have access to a non-invasive drug-free treatment when they have not had successful results with other treatments. Currently, Spravato is FDA-approved for adults 18 or older only.

Depression in Seniors: What’s Different?

Depression is often underdiagnosed in older adults. Symptoms can be confused with aging, physical illness, or cognitive decline rather than signs of depression. It is also common for seniors to avoid speaking up about their struggles due to stigma or the belief that they just need to “deal with it.” Some common signs of depression in seniors are:

• Persistent sadness or loss of interest
• Physical complaints without clear cause
• Confusion or memory problems
• Fatigue or lack of motivation
• Changes in sleep patterns and appetite
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Treatment Options for Seniors

Seniors can benefit from talk therapy like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), which can help identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors. Specifically, IPT can be helpful as it focuses on helping improve relationships and social interactions, which can be particularly helpful for older adults experiencing social isolation. Antidepressants are another option for treating depression, but they must be prescribed carefully due to age-related changes that affect the ways in which the body processes drugs.

Are TMS and Spravato Used for Seniors?

Both TMS and Spravato are safe to treat depression in seniors. TMS can be a good option for older adults that can’t tolerate medication or are looking for a drug-free option. It is safe, non-invasive, and typically well-tolerated. Spravato can also be an effective treatment in seniors with treatment-resistant depression, but it requires close monitoring, especially for seniors with high blood pressure or other medical conditions.

When to Seek Help

If you notice signs of depression in a teen, senior, or yourself, do not wait to act. Depression is treatable at any age, but the right treatment depends on the individual’s situation. Some of the red flags that someone needs to seek professional help:

• Symptoms last longer than two weeks
• Trouble with daily functioning
• Suicidal thoughts 
• No improvement with initial treatment

Take the First Step

If you are searching for depression treatment as a parent, caregiver, or for yourself, know that there are effective depression treatments out there to help people of all ages. Teens and seniors deserve care that fits their needs and stage of life. Visit MDDCare.com to find clinics near you that offer depression treatment and start the healing journey today.