Depression in old age Flashcards

1
Q

What is the commonest psychiatric condition in old age?

A

Depression

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2
Q

What is the prevalence of depression in old age?

A

12.5%

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3
Q

What % of depressed older people also suffer from anxiety symptoms?

A

85%

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4
Q

What % of residential home pts are depressed?

A

25%

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5
Q

What % of nursing home residents are depressed?

A

30%

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6
Q

What % of post-stroke survivors are depressed?

A

40%

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7
Q

What % of suicides are of older people?

A

25%

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8
Q

What proportion of older people discuss depressive symptoms with their GP?

A

Less than 1 in 6

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9
Q

Which group of people are most at risk of suicide?

A

Men living alone

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10
Q

What is pseudodementia?

A

When severely depressed, the pt can present like they have dementia

and this is more common in the elderly

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11
Q

Is paranoia as a feature of depression more or less common in the elderly?

A

More

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12
Q

How does presenting to your GP as an older person relate to suicide?

A

Seeing you GP increases you likelihood of suicide by 70%

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13
Q

What types of depressive symptoms are more common in the elderly?

A

Bodily complaints

Actual suicidal intent

Delusions

Paranoia

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14
Q

“masked” depression is more common in the elderly, what is it?

A

When the somatic symptoms of depression mask the underlying depressive episode

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15
Q

What % of older depressed pts suffer delusions?

A

10%

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16
Q

What can be seen on CT/MRI of a older pt with depression?

A

White matter hyperintensities

Vascular depression

17
Q

When should a GP refer a depressed pt to a specialist?

A

When the diagnosis is in doubt

When the depression is severe (i.e. psychotic, not eating/drinking, suicidal)

18
Q

What proportion of older people discuss depressive symptoms with their GP?

A

Less than 1 in 6