Depression in old age Flashcards
What is the commonest psychiatric condition in old age?
Depression
What is the prevalence of depression in old age?
12.5%
What % of depressed older people also suffer from anxiety symptoms?
85%
What % of residential home pts are depressed?
25%
What % of nursing home residents are depressed?
30%
What % of post-stroke survivors are depressed?
40%
What % of suicides are of older people?
25%
What proportion of older people discuss depressive symptoms with their GP?
Less than 1 in 6
Which group of people are most at risk of suicide?
Men living alone
What is pseudodementia?
When severely depressed, the pt can present like they have dementia
and this is more common in the elderly
Is paranoia as a feature of depression more or less common in the elderly?
More
How does presenting to your GP as an older person relate to suicide?
Seeing you GP increases you likelihood of suicide by 70%
What types of depressive symptoms are more common in the elderly?
Bodily complaints
Actual suicidal intent
Delusions
Paranoia
“masked” depression is more common in the elderly, what is it?
When the somatic symptoms of depression mask the underlying depressive episode
What % of older depressed pts suffer delusions?
10%
What can be seen on CT/MRI of a older pt with depression?
White matter hyperintensities
Vascular depression
When should a GP refer a depressed pt to a specialist?
When the diagnosis is in doubt
When the depression is severe (i.e. psychotic, not eating/drinking, suicidal)
What proportion of older people discuss depressive symptoms with their GP?
Less than 1 in 6
