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Late life depression: nursing actions that can help
Author(s) -
Melrose Sherri
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
perspectives in psychiatric care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.538
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1744-6163
pISSN - 0031-5990
DOI - 10.1111/ppc.12341
Subject(s) - loneliness , suicidal ideation , depression (economics) , feeling , quality of life (healthcare) , medicine , psychiatry , electroconvulsive therapy , cognition , late life depression , cognitive behavioral therapy , clinical psychology , psychology , psychotherapist , suicide prevention , poison control , medical emergency , social psychology , economics , macroeconomics
Purpose This article explains the symptoms of late life depression (LLD) and discusses evidence‐informed actions that nurses can implement to provide older adults with the help they need. Conclusions Recognizing and addressing depression in older adults can enhance quality of life. Practice Implications People with LLD may not appear sad or express feelings of depression. Instead, they demonstrate loss of interest, frailty, cognitive impairment, suicidal ideation, unexplained somatic complaints, and loneliness. Documenting symptoms, screening, and assessing suicidal ideation are essential. Positive outcomes are associated with antidepressant medications, cognitive behavioral therapy, electroconvulsive therapy, neuromodulation therapies, and exercise.