Depression & Mood Disorders | Depression Insights
Depression & Mood Disorders
Older Adults & Depression
Depression in Older Adults: Red Flags & Risk Factors
Risk Factors
- History of depression
- History of anxiety, eating disorders or PTSD
- Family history of depression, bipolar disorder, substance use disorder or suicide
- Diagnosed with a serious medical condition such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, thyroid disorder, vitamin B12 deficiency, lupus, MS, Parkinson’s or substance use disorder
- Family history of vascular illness
- Recent traumatic or stressful event(s)
Red Flags
Patient has…
- Sadness or feelings of despair
- Unexplained or aggravated aches and pains
- Loss of interest in socializing or hobbies
- Weight loss or loss of appetite
- Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
- Lack of motivation and energy
- Sleep disturbances
- Worries about being a burden
- Slowed movement and speech
- Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
- Fixation on death; thoughts of suicide
- Memory problems
- Neglecting personal care
Checklist: What To Ask…
- Are you basically satisfied with your life?
- Have you dropped many of your activities and interests?
- Do you feel that your life is empty?
- Do you often get bored?
- Are you in good spirits most of the time?
- Are you afraid that something bad is going to happen to you?
- Do you feel happy most of the time?
- Do you often feel helpless?
- Do you prefer to stay at home, rather than going out and doing new things?
- Do you feel you have more problems with memory than most?
- Do you think it is wonderful to be alive now?
- Do you feel pretty worthless the way you are now?
- Do you feel full of energy?
- Do you feel that your situation is hopeless?
- Do you think that most people are better off than you are?
How Pine Rest Can Help
Do you need assistance determining next steps in treating depression, learn more about how Pine Rest can help.
