Depression Flashcards
Facts on Depression
–> Depression is the most common mental
health problem in later life. Remains underdiagnosed
–> 40% of seniors in long term care have depressive symptoms
–> Depression and depressive symptoms are
associated with negative consequences such
as increased disability, delayed recovery
from illness & surgery, excessive use of
health services, cognitive impairment, &
decreased quality of life
Common symptoms of depression in seniors
- Sleep disturbances
- Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities
- Less energy and more feelings of fatigue
- Increased difficulty with concentration
- Changes in weight; decrease in appetite
- Changes in psychomotor function
- Possible suicidal ideations
Nursing assessment of depression
- Severity of the symptoms
- Is there suicidal ideations present?
- Rule out any medical conditions that may be
contributing/causing - Remember to include FAMILY in assessment,
- Functional assessment
- Screening Tools
- History and physical assessment
- Cognitive Assessment
- Lab tests, medication review*** Iatrogenic or medical causes?
what could you ask the family
- What changes in behavior/ability have they
noticed? - Any past history of depression or mood disorders?
- Any family history of depression?
- Current or recent medications or medication
changes?
Atypical presentations of depression
- Depressed mood may be less prominent in older
adults - Cognitive changes may be more common
- Physical complaints may be more common (somatic)
- Anxiety is more common: Generalized anxiety
disorder is most common anxiety disorder in
older adults ( Lange, 2012, p.356)
EPOA
Enact power of attorney
predisposing factors to depression
- Single or widowed
- Female
- Vascular brain changes
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Significant physical illness or debilitation
- Medications (eg. HTN meds, antipsychotics,
antiparkinsons, benzodiazepines)
Precipitating factors
- chronic sleep problems
- loss of spouse or significant other
- chronic stress
- adverse life events
- moving to an LTC home (within the first year)
- loneliness and isolation
concerns with bereavement
–> This may present very much like a major
depression, but may be a normal part of the
grieving process
–> When these behaviors are prolonged we should
become more concerned that the older adult is
experiencing a depression
treatment options for depression
- Pharmacological
- Psychotherapy
- Psychosocial interventions
- ECT
- Any combination of the above
** the longer depression goes untreated the harder it is to deal with later.
