Study of depressive illness in retired persons in Maharashtra population

Abstract

As the age advances the myelination of nerve cells degenerate and motor and sensory functions of the brain will start retardation and brain is referred as Fed brain or fatigue brain. After retirement person looses social contact, status or adequate monetary income this will lead to depression. 60 (sixty) retired (elderly) patients with multiple psychiatric illness associated with depression were studied with psychiatric counselling. Their post history and associated medical problems were also recorded and treated accordingly. Different depressive illness include – 23(38.3%) dementia, 14(23.3%) major depression, 11(18.3%) manic, 8(13.3%) anxiety, 4(6.6%) paranoid reaction. Associated medical problems were – 14(23.3%) DM, 21(35%) OA, 8(13.3%) vertigo, 7(11.6%) visual problems, 10(16.6%) constipation The social or family problems were – 17(28.3%) family conflicts, 13(21.6) death of life partner or close relative, 9(15%) sudden loss of job or business, 21(35%) loneliness, 38(61.2%) had suicidal ideation, 22(36.6%) attempted for suicide. The depressive illness of retired or elderly people is quite common psychiatric illness. Apart from the medical treatment, they must be treated with love and affection because patient develops insecurity and loneliness because of retired life.