HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Severe Depression In An Elderly Person

default
Posted on Mon, 25 Jul 2016
Question: I am trying to help my cousin who' sister is in a major depression. She recently lost her husband, they had no children and their dogs were their babies, now she won't even feed them or let them out to go potty. She doesn't eat or sleep, go to work, bath or anything. They were having many financial problems before this happened. She is 55 yr. old and husband also, he had major stroke while she was at work and she came home to find him not conscious. Never revived and took him off life support 18 days later.
I know this is a lot of info, just wanted to let you know how bad it is. Can't get her to go to a doctor and she has no insurance. We need help making her go. Also they were childhood sweethearts and they did everything together. What can we do?
Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

I'm sorry your sister is so clearly so depressed. Here's what you can do. I would call 911 and tell them she is living in a state where she is not caring for her basic functions, such as eating or bathing, and therefore presents a danger to herself. EMS will take her to an ER where she will be evaluated. She meets criteria for involuntary admission to a psychiatric hospital for treatment for depression. In this way you can get her the treatment she needs.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 2236 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Severe Depression In An Elderly Person

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Hello, and thanks for your question. I'm sorry your sister is so clearly so depressed. Here's what you can do. I would call 911 and tell them she is living in a state where she is not caring for her basic functions, such as eating or bathing, and therefore presents a danger to herself. EMS will take her to an ER where she will be evaluated. She meets criteria for involuntary admission to a psychiatric hospital for treatment for depression. In this way you can get her the treatment she needs. Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied. In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers