AGING & DEPRESSION

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

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bring losses in physical being, close relationships, social status, and independence or autonomy, which may result in a loss of self-worth. Cognitive theorists are reported as stating that irrational cognitions and cognitive distortions result in emotional distress when negative life events take place. Examples of these cognitions are the belief that one should be competent at everything one attempts, that one should become unduly upset if one fails to do well, that control is important at all costs. Adaptive cognitions are viewed as accepting personal responsibility, facing life difficulties, and exercising self-determination and adaptability, retaining a sense of satisfaction and control. The sample for this study consisted of 118 young adults and 107 elderly adults (mean age of 72.5). The majority of the older sample was female (72 percent), retired (83 percent), and indicated that present health was good. Fifty percent were married, 60 percent lived alone, and 35 percent were widowed. Most (94 percent) had at least a high school education. Most (67 percent) reported annual incomes exceeding $10,000. Test instruments included a demographic questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Irrational Beliefs I
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Approximate Word count = 2795
Approximate Pages = 11 (250 words per page)

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