1. Decreased concentration & energy Changes in sleep & nutrition
Depression
Functional Decline
Decreased concentration & energy
Changes in sleep & nutrition
Treatment
- Medication
- Behavioral Approaches
SIGECAPS
Sleep changes: increase during day or decreased sleep at night
Interest (loss): of interest in activities that used to interest them
Guilt (worthless): depressed elderly tend to devalue themselves
Energy (lack): common presenting symptom (fatigue)
C ognition/C oncentration: reduced cognition &/or difficulty concentrating
A ppetite (wt. loss); usually declined, occasionally increased
P sychomotor: agitation (anxiety) or retardations (lethargic)
S uicide/death preocccupation
WHEN DEPRESSED, ELDERLY ARE:
MORE LIKELY TO: LESS LIKELY TO:
Give somatic complaints To directly complain of depressed mood*
Feel worthlessness, rather than guilt
Demonstrate hypochondriasis
Have psychomotor retardation or agitation
Manifest psychotic delusions
Commit Suicide:
Age > 65 = 13% of pop. but commit 25% of suicides.
Risk factors for suicide: (living alone, male, alcoholism, comorbid physical illnesses)