Geriatric depression, a prevalent and often underdiagnosed mental health condition in older adults, poses significant challenges for healthcare systems globally. It is not merely a natural consequence of aging but a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors that can severely impact the quality of life in older populations. Addressing geriatric depression requires a nuanced understanding of its unique manifestations and the adoption of innovative approaches tailored to the specific needs of this age group. The integration of personalized medicine and age-appropriate therapeutic strategies offers a promising path forward, albeit one fraught with challenges that must be carefully navigated. Older adults often present with atypical symptoms of depression, making accurate diagnosis a primary challenge. Instead of the classical symptoms like persistent sadness or loss of interest, they may exhibit physical complaints such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, or chronic pain, which can be mistakenly attributed to normal aging or comorbid physical illnesses. Cognitive impairments, which are common in the elderly, further complicate the diagnostic process. Depression in older adults is frequently overshadowed by conditions such as dementia, cardiovascular diseases, or arthritis, leading to a phenomenon often referred to as "diagnostic overshadowing." Consequently, healthcare providers must be vigilant in identifying subtle signs of depression and employ comprehensive screening tools specifically designed for older populations.
HTML PDFShare this article
Pharmacoeconomics: Open Access received 106 citations as per Google Scholar report
