The symptoms of depression are not universally apparent; in fact, they might differ greatly between individuals, particularly between different age groups. Depression symptoms might include behavioral changes, bodily complaints, and other subtle markers in addition to the more obvious ones like noticeable mood swings and other common symptoms. For every age group, these are a few typical warning signs, along with typical causes and helpful actions. Age groups have been demonstrated to have a significant influence in the greater endeavor to make sense of depression while attempting to grasp its patterns and profiles. Depending on an individual’s age, depression can manifest and worsen in different ways.

Continue reading to find out which age group is most affected by depression and how these people are affected. Next, investigate the traits, contributing causes and prevalence of depression across various age groups.

Depression’s Lifespan Statics:

Depending on the individual, depression might manifest as a moderate chronic condition, a single severe episode, or something in between. Age and depression data are simply one aspect of the story when examining which age group has the highest rate of depression. Seeing past the numbers is crucial to comprehending its significance.

At What age Depression is Common?

A study in 2019found that among persons reporting any depression symptoms in the last two weeks, 21% were between the ages of 18 and 29. Among all adult age categories, its incidence is the highest. Additionally, the majority of adults with mild depression also belonged to this age group. Therefore, although young adults experienced depression more frequently, it was also less likely to be less severe.

Adults over 30 did not experience depression as frequently, and age groups did not significantly differ in cases of severe depression. However, adults between the ages of 45 and 65 were most significantly affected by mild depression. In older adulthood, symptoms appeared to become less severe; people 65 years of age and older typically reported milder symptoms.

Causes & Risk Factors:

Depression is not a state that is easily overcome. According to Angelino, it’s a sickness where the brain stops registering enjoyable actions. In fact, alterations in the brain regions that are crucial in depression have been discovered in MRI studies involving depressed individuals. Men are roughly twice as likely as women to receive a depression diagnosis. In addition, there is a higher chance of depression if you are non-white, divorced, between the ages of 45 and 64, never completed high school, unable to find employment or unemployed, and lack health insurance. Additional risk factors for depression encompass the following:

  • Going through stressful life events, such losing your work, having marital issues, suffering from serious health issues, and/or facing financial difficulties.
  • Having a difficult upbringing, which could have included abuse, strained parent-child connections, or issues with your parents’ marriage.
  • Some character attributes, such having a high threshold for stress.
  • A family history of depression might triple or quadruple your own risk.
  • Contrary to popular belief, depression affects over one in ten persons at some point in their lives, with half of them suffering from severe symptoms.

What are the Symptoms & Diagnosis of Depression?

Although depressive symptoms might vary greatly, they fall into three primary categories:

  1. Emotional Symptoms: A low mood, loss of interest in or drive for activities you usually love, difficulty making decisions, irritability, excessive worrying, memory issues, and excessive guilt are examples of emotional and cognitive (thinking) symptoms.
  2. Physical Symptoms: Physical symptoms include exhaustion, changes in appetite, weight loss or gain, aches and pains, headaches, heart palpitations, burning or tingling sensations, sleep issues (such as waking too early, having trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much) and weariness.
  3. Behavioral Symptoms: Behavioral symptoms include crying uncontrollably, having angry outbursts, withdrawing from friends and family, becoming a workaholic, abusing alcohol or drugs, cutting or otherwise hurting yourself, and, in the worst cases, considering or attempting suicide.

Depression in Children:

Although it’s rare, depression can happen to kids under the age of twelve. Common indicators include not only feeling depressed or hopeless but also having trouble in school, losing interest in enjoyable hobbies, eating disorders, weight gain or loss, clinging, anxiety, having trouble with family members and avoiding social and educational situations. Domestic violence, parental depression, divorce and other family pressures, abuse, learning difficulties, relocating to a new area or school, the death of a pet, friend, or family member are just a few of the many circumstances that can cause depression in children. Seek a referral to a child-focused professional from your pediatrician, school counselor, or another therapist if you believe your child needs assistance.

  1. Severe Depressive Disorder:  This is referred to as clinical depression by some. It is the kind of childhood depression that is most well-known. Your child may experience sadness, hopelessness or rage more frequently if they have major depressive illness. They can have problems falling asleep or oversleep. They could feel cut off from their friends and family and no longer desire to partake in the activities that used to make them happy.
  2. Seasonal Affective Disorder: Its symptoms are seasonal, yet they are similar to those of major depressive illness. People frequently have symptoms in the gloomy, chilly winter months. However, it can occur in any season.
  3. Disruptive Mood Disorder: This disorder causes frequent, inappropriate-for-their-age angry outbursts or tantrums in children. They could be hostile both verbally and physically. You may not think your child is depressed when they are throwing a fit or are acting out toward you. However, if you believe your child’s conduct is out of character for their age, it’s always a good idea to let their pediatrician know. Only children six years of age or older are diagnosed with this ailment by medical professionals.
  4. Dysthymia: Major depressive disorder is more severe than this illness. Though they linger longer, the symptoms are comparable. The symptoms in your youngster could not go away for years. You may begin to believe that your child’s mood swings are just a natural aspect of who they are. However, therapy can be beneficial.

Depression in Teenagers:

While large mood fluctuations are common in people between the ages of 12 and 18, depression should be suspected. Look out for prolonged mood swings, issues at work, school, or with friends; unusually high levels of irritability and lash out; extreme feelings of sensitivity, anger, and worthlessness; excessive sleeping or eating; withdrawal from friends and acquaintances; loss of interest in activities; and self-harming behaviors like cutting and drug or alcohol use. Teen depression can result from many of the same life concerns that afflict young children. In addition, hormonal problems, sexuality concerns, sleep deprivation, peer rejection, and the pressure to fit in, succeed, and mature can all contribute to teenage depression. If you think your adolescent may be depressed, have a casual conversation with them about it when you’re driving or out for a stroll. Urge your child to confide in someone, a teacher or a friend if not you. And make an appointment with your teen’s primary care doctor, who can assess if symptoms are due to a physical problem, such as hypothyroidism. The physician can also assess your adolescent and recommend a mental health specialist if necessary.

How common is Depression in Teens and Children?

Between the ages of 3 and 17, only 3% of kids and teenagers experience depression. Teens are more likely than kids to experience it. Major depression has been diagnosed in about 1 in 5 teenagers. And that’s only those that have an official diagnosis. The actual number is likely much higher. In children and teens with certain chronic illnesses like diabetes, epilepsy, chronic pain and asthma, the rates of depression might be even higher.

Depression in Adults:

  1. Young Adults: Young adults between the ages of 19 and 29 may experience depression because of significant life changes, inadequate support in unfamiliar settings, poor coping mechanisms, interpersonal problems, trauma, employment difficulties and other factors. How can you assist me? During this phase of life, it’s critical to establish a support network for your loved one. Assist them in maintaining relationships with others and discuss ways they can get ready for significant life changes. Urge them to discuss their symptoms with their physician and to consider consulting a therapist.
  2. Mid-life Adults: The menopause and perimenopause, dealing with serious illnesses, financial stress, loneliness, caring for children and aging parents, work and relationship troubles and an abundance of obligations with no end in sight are among the many factors that can cause depression in adults between the ages of 30 and 60. Some persons may show evidence of drug or alcohol abuse, rage, risky behavior, abusive or violent behavior, in addition to the typical signs of sadness. Urge a friend or loved one to communicate with you honestly. Pay attention to their symptoms and worries. Encourage them to take some self-care measures. Additionally, advise them to contact their health care physician for a depression exam and to rule out the possibility that physical problems or medication is the cause of their troubles.
  3. Senior Adults: While depression is not a typical aspect of aging, it is all too common and often goes undiagnosed and untreated. Seniors may experience difficulty sleeping, exhaustion, depression, worry, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, and persistent mood swings (for example, the grief associated with losing a loved one should ultimately subside). Aches and pains in the body are frequently indicators of depression as well. Dealing with frequent late-life challenges, such as social isolation, significant life losses (e.g., spousal death), financial stress, and significant health issues, can lead to depression in many seniors. Medications and illnesses may also cause symptoms to flare up.

Common approach to Overcome Depression (for all age groups):

  • Psychotherapy:

A person can identify and alter troublesome feelings, beliefs, and behavior with the aid of psychotherapy, counseling, or “talk therapy.” A licensed clinical social worker, psychologist, psychiatrist, or other qualified mental health care provider may be involved. Examples of methods designed specifically to treat depression are interpersonal therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. It has been demonstrated that treatment, especially a combination of medicine and psychotherapy, works well for older persons. But not every patient will benefit equally from every medicine or treatment. Everybody has different needs when it comes to treatment and sometimes it takes trying a few different approaches before finding one that works. If your current treatment plan isn’t working, it’s crucial to let your doctor know and to keep looking for one that works.

Some may experiment with complementary health methods, such as yoga, to enhance their overall health and manage their stress. Nevertheless, there is scant evidence to support the claim that these methods can effectively cure depression on their own. They shouldn’t take the place of medical treatment, even though they can be used in conjunction with other therapies that a patient’s doctor has prescribed. Discuss the recommended course of treatment(s) with your physician.

Can Depression be Preventive?

A lot of people are curious about how to reduce their chance of developing depression and whether depression can be avoided. Healthy lifestyle choices can improve your mental health in the long run, even though the majority of depression instances cannot be avoided.

The following actions are what you can do:

  • Eat a balanced, healthful diet and engage in physical activity. By doing this, diseases that can result in incapacity or depression may be avoided. It has been demonstrated that some diets, such as the low-sodium diet, lower the risk of depression.
  • Sleep for seven to nine hours every night.
  • Maintain contact with loved ones.
  • Engage in activities that you find enjoyable.
  • Inform your doctor, friends and family when you’re having depressive symptoms.

How much time will it take to recover?

The onset of antidepressant effects can take four to six weeks. Furthermore, not every patient responds to medications in the same manner. For a period of time (typically a few weeks to months), your healthcare practitioner may try one drug to see if it helps with your depression symptoms. They might attempt a different dosage or medication if it doesn’t work. Psychiatrists advise continuing the medicine for a minimum of nine months if this is the patient’s first depressive episode. It can take some time for you to begin to trust your therapist, even if there can be some more immediate benefits to counseling. Changing thought and behavior habits takes time, even after trust has been established.

Conclusion

Anyone can be impacted by depression. On the other hand, the condition might be more common in some populations. Compared to men, women are more prone to suffer from depression. The majority of adults (18–25 years old) report having experienced at least one major depressive episode. The effectiveness of treatment strategies varies. When seeking treatment for depression, an individual should discuss their options with their physician to determine the best course of action. Individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts in addition to depression have to consult their physician as soon as feasible.

SOURCES

Sutter Health – Depression Symptoms by Age Group

Brains Way – Depression across Age Group

Cleveland Clinic 2023 – Depression in Children

National Institute on Aging 2021 – Depression and Older Adults

HISTORY

Current Version
September 7, 2024

Written By:
BARIRA MEHMOOD