DEPRESSION PRESENTATION BY: Nija varghese Depression Depression is a medical condition that interferes with daily life and normal functioning. • It is not a normal part of aging, a sign of weakness, or a character flaw. • Many older adults with depression need treatment to feel better. • Depression is prevalent among older adults: an estimated 15% to 19% of Americans ages 65 and older suffer from depressive symptoms Source: Wolters kluwer (2012). Depression in Older Adults Types of Depression • Major Depression: symptoms that interfere with your ability to work, sleep, concentrate, eat, and enjoy life. • Persistent Depressive Disorder(Dysthymia): depression symptoms that are less severe than of major depression, but last at least two years. • Minor Depression—depression symptoms that are less severe than of major depression and dysthymia, and symptoms do not last long. Sign and Symptoms • Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities • Decreased energy, fatigue, being “slowed down”. • Irritability • Moving or taking more slowly • Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping • Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts Risk Factors • Personal or family history of depression • Certain physical illness and medications • Alcohol or substance abuse • Medical diagnosis or diagnoses associated with a high risk of depression • New stressful losses (loss of autonomy, privacy, functional status, body part, family member or friend) Screening Tools • The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) • The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) • Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) • Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) Treatment • Medication: Antidepressants can work well to treat depression. Eg: Citalopram, moclobemide. • Therapies includes Psychotherapy (teaching new ways of thinking and behaving, and changing habits that may contribute to the depression) and Complementary Therapies (include yoga, exercise, and certain dietary supplements) • Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is used for severe depression that is very difficult to treat and does not respond to medication or psychotherapy. Nursing Implications – Roles of CHN • Helping patients to manage psychiatric medications is an important nursing function. • Nurses can also assist patients in drawing up a daily schedule of meals and medication times. • Nurses can provide contact information for useful agencies and programs, and when possible, take a few minutes to explain the available services to patients and family members. • Nurses can help them to connect older adults experiencing similar issues are beneficial in establishing social support and providing a safe space to talk. References • National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d). Older Adults and Depression. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/older-adultsand-depression/index.shtml • Hurley, K. (2018, February 13). Depression in the Elderly: Not a Normal Part of Aging. Retrieved from https://www.psycom.net/depression.central.elderly.html • Wolters kluwer . ( 2012). Depression in Older Adults. Retrieved from https://www.nursingcenter.com/cearticle?an=00000446201211000-00021&Journal_ID=54030&Issue_ID=1453749 • Webmd . (n.d).Depression: Tests Used to Diagnose Depression. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-tests#2
