Late life Depression: Prevalence, Pathogenesis, Clinical Presentation, Evaluation and Emerging Therapeutics

Abstract

It is a major public health problem; and a common cause of emotional distress and poor quality of life among older adults. Depression increases the perceived disability of comorbid physical illnesses. Moreover, it is associated with increased all-cause mortality. (2)

Knowledge, familiarity, and impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on barriers to seeking mental health services among older people: a cross‐sectional study

“…55,56 Age was also a significant predictor of barriers to seeking mental health services among older adults. This may indicate that advancement of age is associated with a higher barrier to seeking MHS, which might be explained by misperception of depression and anxiety as a part of normal ageing, 24,[57][58][59] and by transportation challenges among frail older people, resulting in a lower probability of seeking MHS. 60 Along the same line, age was a significant predictor of willingness among participants to seek professional help if they had serious emotional problems.…”

“…11,13 Several intrinsic and extrinsic barriers have been identified as contribution to older people's MHS underuse. Intrinsic barriers include fear of psychotherapy, negative attitudes, stigmatization of mental disorders, misperception of depressive mood and anxiety as normal ageing, 24 and not justifying seeking medical advice. On the other hand, extrinsic barriers stem from external reasons affecting personal seeking behaviour, including medical insurance, transportation, and a lack of reliable mental healthcare providers (MHCPs) for older adults.…”