Depressive state in elderly people
Katsuki, A.; Hori, H.; Nakamura, J.
Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine 71(10): 1775-1780
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 0047-1852 PMID: 24261206 Document Number: 668745
The prevalence of depressive state in the elderly is 2.8-26.9%, but rate as high as 35-50% have been reported, depending on diagnostic criteria and methodology. Multiple risk factors contribute to the disproportionate burden of depressive symptoms in later life, including: biological, physical and psychological changes, and changes in social status. Depression and dementia are frequently observed in the elderly and constitute the common cause of depressive state. It's necessary to exclude the drug-induced and physical diseases as the cause of depression, before making a diagnosis with depression and dementia including. Depressive symptoms have a big impact on the quality of life (QOL), so these symptoms are diagnosed carefully and treated.