Arizona doctor: Holiday depression can impact middle-aged as well as elderly

PHOENIX – While you’re getting into the holiday spirit, don’t forget to include the lonely neighbor down the street. Not just the elderly, but the mom and dad who just sent their last kid off to college.

Depression can be just as serious for middle-aged empty nesters as it is for the elderly, Dr. Angela DeRosa of Scottsdale said.

“The empty nesters, where kids are leaving and starting their own families and starting their own tradition,” the internal medicine specialist said, may often be sandwiched by the loss of an elderly parent.

“Throw in the stress of the holidays, and maybe some hormone imbalances,” for women in their 30s and 40ss and men in their 50s, “it’s a recipe for disaster.”

An expert on hormone therapy, DeRosa recommended adults in their middle years keep a check on their mood, especially during the holiday season.

“If they’re noticing a significant drop in their mood,” she said, “it’s a good idea to see their doctor.”

Chances are, she predicts, it is associated with lower testosterone levels.

“Testosterone fires those receptors in our brain, which contribute to our mood. So, when we lose our testosterone, it’s not uncommon for that to lead to new mood disorders, which weren’t prevalent previously.”

On the other hand, it could be something as simple as a vitamin deficiency, “like B-12,” or “something more serious that may need medicine to improve.”