Managing Depression in Geriatric Populations

Abstract

This paper reviews our current understanding of late life depression and the implications for treatment and prevention. In addition, we review current research questions and future considerations in this field.

Prevalence and predictors of healthcare utilization among older people (60+): Focusing on ADL dependency and risk of depression

“…They also showed that these patients were more likely to be dependent in basic activities of daily living than patients with 0 to 2 symptoms (n=181), after controlling for demographics and severity of illness (OR=2.47, 95% CI 1.58-3.86) (Covinsky, et al, 1997). Furthermore depression has been showed to be correlated with mortality (Beyer, 2007) and there are also studies showing that depression and physical ability is associated with each other (Dalle Carbonare, et al, 2009). This means that depression can affect health and therefore also healthcare utilization.…”

Geriatric Depression - Review for Primary Care

“…20-30% of patients admitted to the hospital for an acute myocardial infarction (MI) or a diagnostic cardiac catheterization and 17-37% of those with congestive heart failure have major depression [5]. Conversely, patients with depression have an increased risk of rehospitalization after coronary artery bypass graft or angioplasty, greater mortality after MI, and more disability [5].…”

Evaluation of the Mental Healthiness Aging Initiative: Community Program to Promote Awareness About Mental Health and Aging Issues

“…The training consisted of three keys components: facts and information, application exercises, and community tools. The facts and information sections included information and discussion about the signs and symptoms of MH/SA disorders, suggestions for promoting good mental health, and strategies for the management of MH/SA disorders that came from current scientific literature in geriatric mental health, focused on the most prevalent disorders: depressive and alcohol disorders (Bartels et al 2005;Beyer 2007;Blow 2004, Blazer et al 2004Cockerham et al 1988;Dufour et al 1992;Fillmore and Weafer 2004;Lemke and Moos 2003;Liberto et al 1992;Community Ment Health J (2012) 48:193-201 195 Mackel et al 1994Ohayon 2007;Oslin 2004;Pond et al 1990;Skultety and Zeiss 2006;SAMSHA 2003;US Preventive Services Task Force 2004;Zanjani and Oslin 2006). The application exercise section included the description and implementation of a community action plan entitled PALS-Pay attention, Ask Questions, Listen actively, and Show support, for use when identifying possible MH/SA symptoms in community residents.…”