Nclex Qod 5/17

[Pocamom]

Here's another:

Depression in an older adult differs from depression in a younger person because

1. sadness of mood is usually present but it is masked by other symptoms.

2. impairment of cognition usually is not present.

3. psychosomatic tendencies do not tend to dominate.

4. traditional antidepressant therapies are less effective.

Good luck! :)

[colleennurse, ASN, RN]

Haven't done Psyche yet, but I'll take a stab at it.....

1?

[TWnursingstudent]

Hello

I am thinking the answer to this question would be number 1, As in my experience with patients with depression the depressed mood may be present but other symptoms override this, also depression alot of times can be mistaken for signs of Alzheimers, as patients can present same symptoms:

Theresa

[grinnurse, RN]

#1. I would think that depression in elderly could be masked by "polypharmacy" or chronicity of illnesses that they face (or that could cause the depression)

[Pocamom]

#1 Great job guys!!

Rationale: Elderly clients are a high-risk group for depression. The classic symptoms of depression frequently are masked, and depression present differently in the aging population. Depression in late life is underdiagnosed because the symptoms are incorrectly attributed to aging or medical problems. Impairment or cognition in a previously well elderly client or psychosomatic complaints may be the presenting symptom of depression. Traditional therapies are usually effective.

:)