What is the classification of depression in the elderly?
Due to these intricacies, the concept of 'subthreshold’ depression, 'subclinical’ depression, ‘minor’ depression, ‘milder’ depression etc have been described. Accordingly, depression in elderly is often broadly classified as Major and Non-major Depression.
Why is it important to recognize and manage depression in the elderly?
Timely recognition and adequate management of depression among elderly can lead to improvement in quality of life, maintaining optimal levels of function and independence, reduction in morbidity, reduction in mortality due to suicide, development of medical illnesses and treatment costs.
How many elderly patients with depression do not respond to antidepressants?
At least 30% of elderly patients with depression do not respond to first-line treatment with an antidepressant.
What are the treatments for depression in the elderly?
Numerous therapies can also help an elderly person with depression. Art therapy is a process in which you express your feelings creatively. In psychotherapy, you speak in a private setting with a trained therapist. Geriatric depression can worsen the problems associated with aging.
Why would an elderly patient being treated for depression not improve with medication?
Older adults may also be unwilling to take their medicines because of side effects or cost. In addition, having certain other illnesses at the same time as depression can interfere with the effectiveness of antidepressant medicines.
What is the most effective treatment for depression in older adults?
Research also suggests that for older adults, psychotherapy is just as likely to be an effective first treatment for depression as taking an antidepressant. Some older adults prefer to get counseling or psychotherapy for depression rather than add more medications to those they are already taking for other conditions.
What is the most common cause of depression in the elderly?
The death of friends, family members, and pets, or the loss of a spouse or partner are common causes of depression in older adults.
Which of the following is a major risk factor for depression in older people?
Income or financial resources Poverty is a risk factor for a variety of health conditions in older adults, including depression.
What is the most effective treatment for depression in older adults quizlet?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are antidepressants commonly prescribed to older adults. A psychiatrist, mental health nurse practitioner, or primary care physician can prescribe and help monitor medications and potential side effects.
Which of the following is true of research findings on depression in older adults quizlet?
Which of the following is true of research findings on depression in older adults? Suicidal ideation is strongly associated with depression severity in older adults.
What are three common causes of depression in later life?
Causes and Risk Factors for Late-Life DepressionDelayed, complicated grief.Social isolation.Disability.Financial concerns and struggles.Using a number of medications to treat physical problems.
What are symptoms of depression in older adults?
Along with cognitive symptoms, experiencing a depressed mood, loss of pleasure in activities, significant weight loss or gain, decrease or increase in appetite, sleeping too much or too little, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, or excessive or inappropriate guilt calls for a trip to the doctor for a depression ...
How do we treat the elderly?
Treating the Elderly with Respect and DignityListening Carefully. One of the most important action family members and caregivers can take in caring for elders is to listen to them carefully. ... Affording Respect. ... Understanding Values. ... Relinquishing Independence.
What are the four major problems of an elderly?
The four major old age problems include:Physical problems.Cognitive problems.Emotional problems.Social problems.
What factors contribute to mental health problems like depression in older adults?
Risk factors for mental health disorders in seniorsAlcohol or substance abuse.Dementia-causing illness (e.g., Alzheimer's disease)Illness or loss of a loved one.Long-term illness (e.g., cancer or heart disease)Chronic pain.Medication interactions.Physical disability or loss of mobility.More items...•
What are the risk factors of late life depression?
After simultaneous multivariable-adjustment, multiple factors in the domains of social stress (lower self-rated societal position and high volume of caregiving to disabled/ill relatives), unfavorable lifestyle (smoking, physical inactivity, heavy or binge drinking), and poor physical health (multiple comorbidity burden ...
How many older people are depressed?
How Many Older Adults are Depressed. The good news is that the majority of older adults are not depressed. Some estimates of major depression in older people living in the community range from less than 1% to about 5% but rise to 13.5% in those who require home healthcare and to 11.5% in older hospitalized patients.
How is depression different from other diseases?
How is Depression Different for Older Adults 1 Older adults are at increased risk. We know that about 80% of older adults have at least one chronic health condition, and 50% have two or more. Depression is more common in people who also have other illnesses (such as heart disease or cancer) or whose function becomes limited. 2 Older adults are often misdiagnosed and undertreated. Healthcare providers may mistake an older adult’s symptoms of depression as just a natural reaction to illness or the life changes that may occur as we age, and therefore not see the depression as something to be treated. Older adults themselves often share this belief and do not seek help because they don’t understand that they could feel better with appropriate treatment.
What does it mean when you are depressed?
Someone who is depressed has feelings of sadness or anxiety that last for weeks at a time. He or she may also experience–. Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism. Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness. Irritability, restlessness. Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable.
How to get help for someone in crisis?
If you or someone you care about is in crisis, please seek help immediately. Call 911. Visit a nearby emergency department or your health care provider’s office. Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) to talk to a trained counselor.
Is depression a medical condition?
Depression is not just having “the blues” or the emotions we feel when grieving the loss of a loved one. It is a true medical condition that is treatable, like diabetes or hypertension.
Can an older adult have depression?
Healthcare providers may mistake an older adult’s symptoms of depression as just a natural reaction to illness or the life changes that may occur as we age, and therefore not see the depression as something to be treated.
How to help elderly with depression?
increasing physical activity. finding a new hobby or interest. having regular visits with family and friends. getting enough sleep daily. eating a well-balanced diet . Numerous therapies can also help an elderly person with depression. Art therapy is a process in which you express your feelings creatively.
What are the causes of depression in older adults?
traumatic life events , such as abuse or the death of a loved one. Complications associated with aging may contribute to depression in older adults. These problems can include: limited mobility. isolation. facing mortality. transitioning from work to retirement. financial hardships. prolonged substance abuse.
What are the symptoms of geriatric depression?
Symptoms of depression are the same in any age group. They can include: sadness. feelings of worthlessness. irritability. fatigue. crying spells. apathy.
What are the factors that contribute to depression in older adults?
However, biological, social, and psychological factors all play a role in depression in older adults. Research suggests that the following may contribute to depression: low levels of key neurotransmitter chemicals in the brain (such as serotonin and norepinephrine) a family history of depression.
How long does it take to get diagnosed with depression?
They will ask: A person must display symptoms of depression for at least two weeks to be diagnosed with the condition. You can also use this free online geriatric depression scale.
Is geriatric depression a mental illness?
Geriatric depression is a mental and emotional disorder affecting older adults. Feelings of sadness and occasional “blue” moods are normal. However, lasting depression is not a typical part of aging. Older adults are more likely to suffer from subsyndromal depression.
Can aging cause geriatric depression?
Geriatric depression can worsen the problems associated with aging. It isn’t always easy to diagnose, but proper treatment can greatly increase your quality of life. If you’re concerned that someone you know may be depressed, know that family and loved ones can have a profound effect on an older adult’s care.