Neccesity in the Geriatric Depression Scale (gds)

Necessity in the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)

Depression is a very prevalent disorder among elderly people and is not a natural part of aging. Depression in a Geriatric group is assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is "a brief thirty items questionnaire in which the participants are being asked to responds by answering yes or no in reference to how they felt over the past week (http://www.stanford.edu/~yeasavage/GDS.html)". Based upon Geriatric depression scale, it is one point score for each bolded answer. Total score of 0-4 are considered normal and score > 5 points is suggestive of depression and the client should have a follow up comprehensive assessment and evaluation for suicidality. The purposes of this study are to assess the magnitude of depression among elderly people, and also to identify risk factors.

"Depression in elderly people is a widespread and serious public health concern" (Buck-ley 2011). And, according to statistical abstract 2005, "Depression is affecting nearly 5 million of the 31 million American aged 65 and older. Both major and minor depression are reported in 13 % of community dwelling older adults, 24 % of older medical outpatients, 30% of older acute care patients, and 43 % of nursing home dwelling older adults" (Miller 2012). Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2007; Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2009 publicize "Adults aged 65 years and older constitute 13% of the population in the United States, but they commit 18% of all suicides" (Miller 2012). Hence, if depression is continued to exposure and is left untreated; the suicide rate among elderly will continue to rise.

Although suicide is the most serious functional consequences of late-life depression, the physicians, nurses, families, and other health care workers tend to over look this risk. There-fore, The Geriatric Depression scale will guide every one for early recognition and prevent sui-cide among elderly. When I interviewed my client, I used the "Geriatric Depression Scale for screening, performing a focus depression assessment, and assessing cognitive function and lev-el of functioning" (Miller 2012). I discovered that my client depression score is 2. Based upon Geriatric Depression Scale's score, my client is not in a depressive state. She is satisfied with her life; however, it appeared that my client may have acute minor depression.

Furthermore, researches are investigating the correlation between the natural aging process and the increasing of depression among elderly people. "Depression in later life fre-quency coexists with other medical illness and disabilities. In addition, advancing age is often accompanied by loss of key social support system due to the death of a spouse or sibling, re-tirement, and/or relocation". (Karno 2007). Due to that changes in circumstances many doctors or family tend to fail to notice it. Some physicians or family members may have some difficul-ties to distinguish the differences between natural aging processes such as dementia with de-pression. Small group of people may perceive depression as a non-aggressive behavior that is not dangerous to vegetate among elders. As result many seniors may have to cope with de-pression or the symptoms. Jennifer B. Buckley believes that "Depression that goes under-diagnosed and under-treated in elderly can seriously affect the worth of their life and their overall functioning. If ignored long enough, or, if the severity increases, depression could lead to suicide" (Buckley 2011).

Although researches have helped clarify the complex biologic basis of depression, the exact cause of depression is still uncertain; however, by understanding and reducing the risk factors may help prevent depression among elderly people. The clients may have a very complication factors that may mask signs of depression. But, we have to consider the fact that "the physician, nurses, and family are at the front line in the early recognition of depression and the facilitation of mental health services" (Miller 2012). When using the Geriatric Depression scale, the potential causes and contributing factors are discovered promptly. One good reason why we all need to use the Geriatric Depression Scale when we are assessing our clients for depression is to keep our elders safe and maintain their healthy life and well-being. National Institute of Mental Health affirmed "Genetic, biological, chemical, hormonal, environment, psychological, and social factors all intersect to contribute depression" (www. nimh.nih.gov); in addition, Martin G. Cole, M.D., F.R.C.P. (C.) and Nandini Dendukuri, Ph.D discovered forty-two different risk factors for depression among elderly

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