Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the elderly, and can be associated with physical disability and poor overall health. Rates of depression in this age group are as high as more than 40%.
Find out what the Geriatric Depression Rating Scale is, find out if you have depression and how it can be treated?
Depression in the elderly – symptoms
Symptoms of depression in the elderly may differ from those seen in younger adults. It is important to remember that depression is not a normal part of the aging process, although older people are more likely to experience it. Older people may experience physical symptoms, but may not realize that their physical complaints are signs of depression.
To be diagnosed with depression, symptoms should last at least two weeks. Here are the main symptoms of depression in seniors:
- Feelings of sadness, depression or emptiness. Although seniors don’t always talk directly about sadness, they may complain of a lack of energy or attribute symptoms to the aging process.
- Loss of interest or pleasure. Seniors may lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed .
- Sleep problems. These may include difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking during the night or excessive sleepiness .
- Changes in appetite and weight. There may be loss of appetite and weight loss, or the opposite – increased appetite and weight gain.
- Fatigue and lack of energy. Older people may experience constant fatigue and lack of motivation for daily activities.
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions. Depression can affect cognitive function, causing problems with memory and concentration.
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt. Seniors may have negative thoughts about themselves and their lives.
- Thoughts of death or suicide. In severe cases, suicidal thoughts may occur.
- Physical ailments. Seniors with depression often complain of pains that have no apparent medical cause.
- Irritability and anxiety. Depression in seniors may manifest as increased irritability or anxiety.
- Neglect of personal hygiene. There may be a lack of attention to appearance and hygiene.
- Social isolation. The elderly person may avoid social contact and withdraw from relationships.
Geriatric depression rating scale GDS
The Geriatric Depression Rating Scale (GDS) is a commonly used diagnostic tool for detecting symptoms of depression in the elderly. The scale was developed specifically for seniors, that is, people aged 60 and older. The GDS can be used in both healthy seniors and those with health problems or cognitive disorders.
The test consists of 30 questions developed by Jerome Yesavage and colleagues at Stanford University. The scale was therefore designed to avoid questions about somatic symptoms (such as psychomotor retardation or pain), as well as questions that the authors believe could elicit defensive attitudes in seniors
The GDS comes in two main versions:
- Long version: consists of 30 questions
- Short version (GDS-15): contains 15 questions
Both versions have a “Yes/No” answer format, which makes the questionnaire easier to fill out for the elderly. The questions relate to the patient’s well-being over the past two weeks.
Advantages of the GDS:
- Simple response format.
- Adaptation to the specific age group 60
- Ability to be used with people with different health conditions.
- Availability of different versions of different lengths.
Geriatric depression rating scale – take the test
Instructions
Please answer all questions keeping in mind your mood in the last two weeks.
- Thinking about your life as a whole, are you satisfied with it?
yes no* - Have your activities and interests decreased?
yes* no - Do you have a feeling that life is empty?
yes* no - Do you often feel bored?
yes* no - Do you think hopefully about the future?
yes no* - Do you have intrusive thoughts that you can’t get rid of?
yes* no - Are you in a good mood most of the time?
yes no* - Are you worried that something bad might happen to you?
yes* no - Do you feel happy most of the time?
yes no* - Do you often feel helpless?
yes* no - Are you often anxious?
yes* no - Do you prefer to stay at home instead of leaving in the evening?
yes* no - Do you often worry about the future?
yes* no - Do you feel that you have more trouble with your memory than other people?
yes* no - Do you think it’s great to be alive?
yes no* - Do you often feel depressed and sad?
yes* no - Do you currently feel inferior to other people?
yes* no - Do you worry about what happened in the past?
yes* no - Do you find life interesting?
yes no* - Do you find it difficult to implement new ideas?
yes* no - Do you feel full of energy?
yes no* - Do you feel that the situation is hopeless?
yes* no - Do you think people are better than you?
yes* no - Do small things often bring you out of balance?
yes* no - Do you often want to cry?
yes* no - Do you have trouble focusing your attention?
yes* no - Do you wake up in the morning in a good mood?
yes no* - Have you been avoiding social gatherings lately?
yes* no - Do you make decisions easily?
yes no* - Is your thinking ability the same as before?
yes no*
Score
Answers marked with an asterisk = 1 point, other answers = 0 points.
0-9 points = no depression
10-19 points = mild depression
20 or more points = deep depression
Remember that your score does not equate to a diagnosis of depression. If your score indicates depression contact a mental health specialist, e.g. psychiatrist, psychologist.
Depression in seniors – treatment
Depression in the elderly is a serious health problem that needs to be properly addressed and treated. Here are some strategies on how to deal with depression in seniors:
- Recognizing the problem. It is important to remember that depression is not a normal part of the aging process . Watch for symptoms such as prolonged sadness, loss of interests, changes in sleep habits or appetite.
- Professional help. If depression is suspected, consult a doctor or a mental health specialist – online psychotherapy. Various forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can be effective in treating depression in older people. Depression is an illness that can be effectively treated.
- Social support. Loneliness can exacerbate depression in seniors. Encouraging social contact, such as through regular video calls with family, can help.
- Physical activity. Regular exercise can improve mood and overall well-being. Seniors should be encouraged to engage in physical activity appropriate to their abilities.
- Healthy lifestyle. Taking care of a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and avoiding stimulants can improve mental health.
- Engaging in activities. Encouraging seniors to participate in activities they enjoy can help combat depression.
- Education. Both seniors and their caregivers should be educated about depression, its symptoms and treatments.
- Patience and understanding: It is important to remain calm and patient with a senior suffering from depression.
- Proper selection of medications. Some medications can cause symptoms similar to depression. It is important to consult your doctor regularly about the medications you are taking.
- Considering specialized care: In some cases, specialized facilities may be necessary.
Summary
An estimated 6 million adults aged 65 and older suffer from clinical depression, but only 10% of them receive treatment. Older people may be less likely to report symptoms of depression than younger people. This may be due to stereotypes about mental health or the fact that it is sometimes difficult to admit that we are not coping.
It’s important for loved ones to be aware of these symptoms and to actively seek help if they occur. If you notice these symptoms in yourself or an elderly loved one, it is important to consult a doctor or mental health professional. Depression is an illness that can be effectively treated, and early intervention can significantly improve a senior’s quality of life.
Source:
Jarema.M. Psychiatry, PZWL . Warsaw, 2016
https://econtent.hogrefe.com/doi/full/10.1024/1662-9647/a000101