Literature Review Paper - RUNNING HEAD Literature Review...

RUNNING HEAD: Literature Review Paper 1
Literature Review Paper
Angelic M. Kinder
American Public University

Literature Paper Review 2
Abstract
Anxiety and depression occur in a higher rate than normal in elderly adults. Each are common
and serious in the elderly. Early detection and treatment are very important to the elderly leading
a normal life. There are many risk factors that increase in life for these individuals and they may
be more reluctant to seek assistance for issues of mental health

Literature Paper Review 3
Depression in the elderly is a common undiagnosed problem in individuals over age 65.
The presentation of symptoms and treatment of depression are different in the elderly from in
younger adults. The geriatric population has different treatment options. Risk factors are
commonly chronic illness, death of a loved one, disability, injury, disease, and plain loneliness.
There are about 7 million elderly adults with depression in the United States. Untreated
depression may lead to other chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and
Alzheimer’s. Elderly adults who live in communities and are active are less at risk for
depression. Elderly adults who live alone or in homes have the highest rate of depression
(Castillo, Begley, Haddad, Sorrentino, & Twum-Fening, 2013).
Approximately six million Americans over age 65 are depressed but only about 10%
receive treatment. Depression in the elderly causes a significant lack of quality of life in these
individuals. The depression can exacerbate existing illnesses and lead to premature death. Some
medications can also cause depression; some of the illnesses whose medications can lead to
depression include high blood pressure, hormonal imbalances, heart disease, cancer, Parkinson’s
disease, arthritis, anxiety, and pain. Risk factors for depression increase, as an individual gets
older; it can also make diagnosis more difficult. Elderly generally do not present with the same
symptoms of younger adults. These symptoms would include depressed mood, sadness, and loss
of interest in activities but can show symptoms such as fatigue and aches and pains. Treatments
include medication, social interventions, electroconvulsive therapy, and treating underlying
medical conditions. Because elderly metabolize medications at a different rate, more attention
must be paid to the amount of medication they are taking as they age (O’Neil, 2007).
Depression in the elderly affects upwards of 20% of the population. The elderly
population should be well informed of their diagnosis, and have a family support system that can

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assist them with the diagnosis and treatment options. Many elderly patients have preexisting
medical conditions that can worsen depression or other medication that may have adverse effects
on medication for depression. A clinical practitioner must consistently monitor pharmacologic
treatments in the treatment of depression in the elderly. These would include a monitoring of
side effects, signs of worsening depression, and adequate duration of treatment.