The mechanisms of depression in old age are closely related to biological, psychosocial, and environmental factors. First, depression in old age is associated with a disturbance of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the nervous system that regulate and transmit functions, such as serotonin and dopamine. When neurotransmitter levels in older patients are out of balance, it can affect communication between brain cells, leading to low mood. Second, depression in old age is also associated with changes in brain structure and function. It is known that as we age, there are changes in the brain, such as the atrophy of the hippocampus, etc., which may be related to the occurrence of depression in old age.
In the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, depression in old age belongs to the category of "depression syndrome", and in terms of quality, traditional Chinese medicine pays attention to overall conditioning to balance the body's yin and yang, qi and blood to achieve the goal. According to the different symptoms of the patient, the Chinese medicine will choose different methods. First of all, TCM attaches great importance to regulating people's emotions and mental state, and relieves patients' stress and depression through acupuncture, massage and other means. Secondly, traditional Chinese medicine is an important way of depression in old age. Ancient prescriptions such as Quhui needle and tranquilizer pills have been proven to have good curative effects after thousands of years of practice.
Taking the famous prescription of traditional Chinese medicine "Quhumerus Needle" as an example, its prescription composition includes Rehmannia Rehmannia, Chuanqi, Gastrodia, Salvia and other drugs, which can tonify the kidneys and calm the nerves, benefit the essence and marrow, invigorate blood and eliminate blood stasis, etc., and have a good effect on elderly patients with depression. At the same time, TCM also focuses on adjusting the patient's diet Xi habits and lifestyle, such as eating lightly and avoiding staying up late.
In addition to traditional Chinese medicine, methods for depression in old age also include psychology and medication. Psychological**, including cognitive-behavioral**, family**, etc., can reduce depressive symptoms by adjusting the patient's way of thinking and improving the home environment. Medications** include the use of antidepressants, such as SSRIs, to regulate the balance of neurotransmitters.
In conclusion, senile depression is a common geriatric mental illness, and its pathogenesis is closely related to biological, psychosocial, and environmental factors. As a comprehensive medical system, traditional Chinese medicine focuses on overall conditioning and promotes depression in old age by balancing yin and yang, qi and blood. At the same time, psychology and drugs are also common. In the face of senile depression, we should adopt a comprehensive approach, focusing not only on biological factors, but also on psychological state and social environment, so as to improve the quality of life of elderly patients.
Health References:
1. lu, b. (2012). psychology practice of geriatric depression: traditional chinese medicine perspective. clinical medical practice of integrated traditional chinese and western medicine, 2(6), 56-57.