Quick Answers...
Does clinical depression occur more frequently in older than younger people?
No. Depression does NOT occur more often in older adults than younger groups. However, it is the most frequent mental health problem of older adults. Depression may vary from feeling "blue" from grief over a loss to a diagnosis of clinical depression by the DSM IV criteria. Accurate diagnosis and treatment options are often hindered by the resistance to mental health intervention and situational depression in older adults as they react to isolation, role change, illness and medication effects.
Linda Breytspraak, Center on Aging Studies, University of Missouri-Kansas City
 |
Site Administrator: |
|
|
|
Last update: Tuesday, March 14, 2006