Late-Life Depression: A Silent Epidemic
Kar N. Late-life depression: a silent epidemic. Journal of Geriatric Care and Research 2017, 4(2): 37-38.
2 Pages Posted: 4 Jan 2018
Date Written: December 30, 2017
Abstract
Late life depression is extremely common, but it is often missed or undertreated even in secondary care. It affects not only the morbidity and mortality, but also has negative impact on prognosis of many illnesses. It is associated with most old age suicides which are on the rise. It cannot be overemphasized that depression in elderly needs to identified and appropriately treated. There are screening questions which can be used at all levels of health and social care, which can clarify need for further assessment. There are effective intervention strategies which can be provided even at a primary care level. In summary, efforts should be taken so that older adults with depression are identified early and adequately treated.
Keywords: depression, diagnosis, older adults, screening, treatment
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