Assessment of depression in older people

Health professionals need to be able to identify depression in older people

Healthcare literature shows that depression in older people, as a mental health problem, is often under-recognized and under-managed. This may partly be the result of multiple pathology, a common feature in later life, masking the features of depressive illness. It may also be the consequence of inadequate use of mental health specialists' skills. As the population is ageing rapidly, healthcare professionals will encounter more cases of depression among the older population. Some therapeutic approaches have been suggested for nurses to adopt. More importantly, nurses and other care workers have to recognize that sensitivity must be exercised in the utilization of these tools and that one approach may require complementing with another. A person-centred strategy is recommended in accordance with the National Service Framework for Older People. In implementing care, consideration of the person and the effects of the environment on the personality should be acknowledged.

A hidden problem: identifying depression in older people

This article, based on a paper presented at the Current Issues in Primary Care Nursing conference in Manchester in March 2003, presents an overview of depression in older people and considers the community nurse's role in identification and response. It aims to raise awareness of and promote activity in this area and considers the presentation and incidence of the condition. The mental health of older people is a policy priority, yet recognition of depression in older people is problematic. The case is made that community nurses have an increasingly important role in identifying depression in older people and the use of the Geriatric Depression Scale is promoted. The possibility that the further development of community nurse's role towards targeted interventions is outlined.