Depression in Older Adults

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to address selected aspects of depression in older adults. Specifically, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and interventions for depression in older adults are reviewed.

Stress Coping Mechanisms in Elderly Adults: An Initial Study of Recreational and Other Coping Behaviors in Nursing Home Patients

“…Prior to engaging in counseling with stressed elderly adults living in care facilities, counseling professionals should review issues specific to this population. For example, Stickle and Onedera (2006) stressed the importance of educating elderly adults about the counseling process to dispel their preconceived notions that might lead to more stress. Second, it is important to conduct a complete history to determine how clients have dealt with stress and if those options are still viable (Stickle & Onedera, 2006).…”

“…For example, Stickle and Onedera (2006) stressed the importance of educating elderly adults about the counseling process to dispel their preconceived notions that might lead to more stress. Second, it is important to conduct a complete history to determine how clients have dealt with stress and if those options are still viable (Stickle & Onedera, 2006). Also, counselors need to be aware of their biases about elderly adults, which may hamper counselors' ability to listen for clients' needs and concerns (Granello & Fleming, 2008).…”

“…Especially intriguing are the dynamic selection inputs, for example attitudes toward exercise and nutrition, because these make tempting targets for intervention programs designed to reduce the symptoms of stress or increase happiness, life satisfaction, or a number of constructs that are related to stress. Equally important is gaining an understanding of the living environment and the options currently available within the living environment that the client might use to ameliorate stress (Granello & Fleming, 2008;Stickle & Onedera, 2006). Ultimately, if we as counselors wish to assist our clients, it is vital that we not only provide support, but also advocate for a healthy, supportive environment for our clients (Gillen & Chung, 2005;Granello & Fleming, 2008).…”

Averting Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type in Women: Can Counselors Help?

“…Evidence pointing to the relationship between depression and cognitive impairment in adults over 65 years of age suggests that efforts to control depression may be important in slowing existing cognitive decline (D. E. Barnes et al, 2006). Counselors unfamiliar with geriatric depression would be well served to familiarize themselves with its unique presentation, assessment tools, and intervention needs (Stickle & Onedera, 2006). Douthit (2006b) underscored that for counselors practicing in the milieu created by 21st century social and cultural institutions, high levels of stress provide a substrate for numerous forms of psychological challenge.…”

Yaşlı Bireylere Psikolojik Yardım Vermeye İlişkin Psikolojik Danışman Adaylarının Görüşlerinin İncelenmesi

“…Yaşlı bireylerin psikolojik ihtiyaçları genellikle yaşamın farklı aşamalarında ortaya çıkan değişikliklerle ilişkilidir. Bunlar arasında umutsuzluk duygusu, pişmanlık, memnuniyetsizlik, benlik saygısı kaybı, kayıp duygusu ve kişilerarası problemler gibi zorluklar yer alabilmektedir (Stickle & Onedera, 2006). Arkadaşlarını ve yakınlarını kaybetme korkusu içerisinde olmaları ve buna bağlı keder, mutsuzluk, depresyon belirtilerini yaşamaları yaşlılarda psikolojik danışmanın gerekliliğini ön plana çıkaran yönler olabilmektedir.…”