Magellan Health Services Educates Public about Depression among Older People; Elderly Depression Guide Contains Facts, Warning Signs and Steps to Get Help.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

FARMINGTON, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 11, 2004

Approximately 18.5 percent of individuals over the age of 65 suffer from depression. Although research has proven that the condition can be successfully treated, 90 percent of seniors never get the help they need. In support of Older Americans Mental Health Week, May 24 to 30, Magellan Health Services, the nation's leading manager of behavioral health care, has issued an informational guide (attached) to promote early diagnosis and treatment of a condition that affects millions of Americans.

"The mental health needs of seniors have been ignored for far too long," said Alex Rodriguez, M.D., chief medical officer for Magellan. "Many people, even medical professionals, think the condition is simply a normal part of the aging process. Although treatment is available, and has been proven to work, many older people spend their retirement years struggling with major depression. We put together this guide to raise awareness, with the hope that it will increase the numbers of seniors who get treatment."

The proper diagnosis of depression in older people is complicated by several factors, such as confusion about the normal symptoms of aging, misconceptions about how people should feel about growing older, and depression's complex relationship with other diseases associated with aging. If left untreated, the condition affects the immune system of older people and can make them vulnerable to other diseases, such as stroke, diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Untreated depression also increases the risk of suicide among older people. Unfortunately, even when given the opportunity, many doctors fail to detect these cases in time. One study showed that, in 70 percent of elderly suicides, the individual had met with a physician during the previous month.

Headquartered in Farmington, Conn., Magellan Health Services (Nasdaq:MGLN) is the country's leading managed behavioral health care organization. The company specializes in managed mental health and substance abuse services as well as employee assistance/work-life programs. Its customers include health plans, corporations and government agencies.

                        - Tip Sheet to Follow -


              INFORMATION AND TIPS ON ELDERLY DEPRESSION
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ELDERLY       --  Most older people with depression have been
DEPRESSION:       suffering from episodes of the illness during much
AN OVERVIEW       of their lives.  For some, particularly those with
                  lifelong histories of depression, the development of
                  a disabling illness, loss of a spouse or friend,
                  retirement, moving out of the family home or some
                  other stressful event may bring about the onset of a
                  depressive episode.

              --  Large numbers of elderly people live alone,
                  have inadequate support systems, or do not have
                  regular contact with a primary care physician.
                  Because of this, special efforts are needed to
                  locate and identify those who need care.
                  Unfortunately, proper diagnosis is complicated by
                  several factors.  Often, the symptoms of depression,
                  such as fatigue, loss of appetite and sleeping
                  difficulties are associated with the aging process
                  or a medical condition rather than with major
                  depressive disorder.  Depression is also a side
                  effect of some medications commonly prescribed to
                  older people, such as medications to treat
                  hypertension.  In addition, the stigma attached to
                  mental illness is very powerful among the elderly
                  and often keeps them from admitting to the signs and
                  symptoms of depression.
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FACTS ABOUT   --  Depression is very common among older people.
ELDERLY           Depression affects about 18.5 percent of people aged
DEPRESSION        65 and older.  (Source: National Alliance for the
                  Mentally Ill)

              --  Depression in older people is often overlooked
                  or misdiagnosed.  Many older people who commit
                  suicide have reached out for help - 20 percent see a
                  doctor the day they die, 40 percent the week before
                  they die, and 70 percent in the month before they
                  die.  (Source: National Alliance of the Mentally
                  Ill)

              --  Older people with depression are at higher risk
                  for suicide. Individuals 65 and older comprise
                  only 13 percent of the U.S. population, but
                  accounted for 18 percent of all suicide deaths in
                  2000. The suicide rate among white men age 85 and
                  older is more than five times the national suicide
                  rate. (Source: National Institute of Mental Health)

              --  Depression frequently accompanies other serious
                  illnesses. Untreated depression in older people
                  affects their immune system and makes them
                  susceptible to other diseases. Many older people
                  with depression also suffer from other serious
                  illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes
                  and cancer. (Sources: National Alliance for the
                  Mentally Ill and National Institute of Mental
                  Health)

              --  Depression can be successfully treated. Once
                  diagnosed, 80 percent of clinically depressed
                  individuals, including older persons, can be
                  successfully treated by medication, psychotherapy,
                  electroconvulsive shock therapy or any combination
                  of the three. Antidepressants have been proven to
                  be an effective treatment for most cases of
                  elderly depression. (Source: National Alliance for
                  the Mentally Ill)
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WARNING       If you find yourself experiencing five or more of the
SIGNS OF      following symptoms for a period of two weeks or more,
ELDERLY       you could have clinical depression and should see your
DEPRESSION    doctor or mental health professional for a thorough
              evaluation.

                    --  persistent sad, anxious, apathetic or "empty"
                        mood
                    --  loss of pleasure and interest in activities
                        once enjoyed
                    --  difficulty concentrating, remembering things
                        or making decisions
                    --  overwhelming feelings of guilt, hopelessness,
                        inadequacy or self-doubt
                    --  restlessness, temper or irritability
                    --  slowed movement, fatigue or loss of energy
                    --  reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased
                        appetite and weight gain
                    --  insomnia, sleeping too much or frequently
                        waking throughout the night
                    --  excessive concern about bodily aches and pains
                    --  thoughts of death or suicide
                    --  pattern of irresponsible behavior
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STEPS         --  Make a list.  Write down your symptoms, noting the
PATIENTS          duration and frequency, along with questions about
CAN TAKE          depression and its treatment.

              --  Talk with a doctor.  See your primary care physician
                  or mental health professional.  Share your list of
                  symptoms and ask questions, making sure to tell your
                  doctor about your medical history and any
                  medications you are taking.

              --  Learn more about depression.  Your provider or local
                  mental health association can suggest reading
                  materials or refer you to local support groups.  The
                  National Mental Health Association can serve as a
                  resource (800-659-NMHA or www.nmha.org).

              --  Select the right care.  Ask your doctor to explain
                  the benefits and risks of the many different
                  treatment options.

              --  Update your health care provider on your progress.
                  Once you are in treatment, make sure to keep your
                  provider up-to-date on your progress and let him or
                  her know about any side effects from your
                  medication. Never stop taking medicine without first
                  talking with your provider.
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CONTACT       General:  www.magellanhealth.com
INFORMATION   Media: Kristin Brunnworth, phone: [phone]
              [e-mail]
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    Source: Magellan Health Services, Inc., the country's leader in
      managed behavioral health and employee assistance programs
                       (www.magellanhealth.com).