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AGING & DEPRESSION

Depression is common in the elderly population; it is associated with a higher risk of death from suicide than for any other age group. Because of the rapid increase in the proportion of aged in the world population, more people are at risk of developing depression. The study of depression in the elderly includes prevalence, recognition, and diagnosis of the disorder, factors associated with depression, treatment, and concerns and/or needs of the elderly regarding retirement, social interaction, and individuality (Lobo, Saz, Marcos, Dia, & De-la-Camara, 1995; Martin, Fleming, & Evans, 1995).

Prevalence, Recognition, & Diagnosis

Martin, Fleming, and Evans (1995) reviewed the medical literature and provided an overview regarding the recognition and management of depression. Depression is reported as common in the elderly population, and it is associated with high risks for suicide. However, some studies show that the incidence of major depressive disorder late in life is lower than in the general population, while others show an increase in depressive symptoms for this group.

Elderly patients may tend to be reluctant or unable to report depressive symptoms; thus, depression is often not recognized. Many elderly assume that the aging process is supposed to be frightening and depressing, and they therefore are reluctant to find help with depressive symptoms. Additional factors which may result in a lack of accurate diagnosis include a lack of knowledge or understanding of depression by the elderly and the caregivers, a desire to avoid psychiatric care, fears of medical expenses, and a lack of social or work contacts, making depressive symptoms more difficult to recognize and functional impairment more difficult to assess. Depression may also be attributed to organic illness in this age-group (Martin, Fleming, & Evans, 1995).

A physician's assessment may also become complicated since the elderly may be unable to provi...

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AGING & DEPRESSION. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 08:25, March 29, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1692489.html