In review: depression in older people
Module Summary: This module will update you on how not to miss depression in older people.
Key learning points:
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- 40% of older people with coexisting physical illness will have depression.
- It is more treatable in this group than younger people, both with medication and talking therapies.
- Depression often presents with physical symptoms such as dizziness, pain or weakness.
- Mention of suicide requires urgent intervention.
- Complaints of recent memory loss are likely to represent depression rather than dementia.
- Anhedonia (the patient no longer enjoying the things they used to) is a key feature of depression and should always be taken seriously.
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Author:
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Dr Peter Bagshaw is a GP and mental health dementia lead at Somerset Clinical Comissioning Group. He is also IAPT and dementia clinical lead at South West Clinical Network.
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This module will update you on how not to miss depression in older people.
