Question

Geriatric depression is a common problem that can impact the quality of life for any older adult. This is a common problem, however, it is never a normal problem. Depression can lead to unexplained pain, feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, memory problems, and self-neglect. When assessing a geriatric patient, the assessment must include a depression assessment. Using the geriatric depression scale found here https://consultgeri.org/try-this/general-assessment/issue-4.pdf What problems have you identified by using the scale? What are their relevance to the patient? And, how effective did you find this scale in determining if depression might be an issue? 150 words

Answer 1

The problems that can be identified by using the given geriatric depression scale are the feeling of hopelessness and helplessness, neglected outdoor activities, memory problem associated with depression, feeling of lacking energy or fatigue, feeling of life being worthless that may result in suicidal thoughts. The relevance of the above problem to the paitent is that the existence of such problem in his report suggests about the depression that he/she is suffering from. It suggests that the patient needs proper assessment. The scale shows how miserable depression can make someone's life. Depression can make it hard for patient to pass another day with overwhelming feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, boredom and worthlessness. An unexplained fatigue and memory loss can be stressful which can add to the feeling of helplessness. Depression can give a feeling of dragging life and to live everyday with such feeling can be hard. Depression can lead to struggle with regular life activities. All these can be really stressful and a chronic stress can lead to further health issues. Therefore depression is an issue that needs to be addressed seriously.