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Depression

Options to Improve Mood in Older Adults

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1
Introduction Who and why?
2
Priorities Clarification exercise
3
Options Explore the options
4
Decision Make an informed choice
5
Profile Summary of my process
Introduction Who and why?

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Depression                                                                                                                               

Depression is characterized by continuous feelings of sadness and worthlessness, and a lack of desire to engage in formerly pleasurable activities. It interferes with daily life and normal functioning. Depression may involve the body, mood, and thoughts. It may cause problems with thinking or memory and sometimes physical problems (pain, digestion problems, sleep problems, or fatigue).

  • Factors that increase the odds of experiencing depressive symptomsLearn more

    Up to 25% of older adults experience depressive symptoms. Depression is more frequent among older adults with heart disease (44%), cancer (40%), Parkinson's disease (40%), cognitive impairment (20-40%), or who have had a stroke (30-60%).

    Other factors that increase the risk of an older individual experiencing depression include poor sleep, misuse of alcohol or drugs, stressful life events, or family problems.

  • Who should consider making a change to improve their mood?Learn more

    Any person who reports feeling depressed, or who has received a diagnosis of any depressive disorder, and wants to feel better.

  • Taking your priorities into accountLearn more

    Depending on your priorities, you may or may not decide to make a change. This choice is up to you because...

    • You are more likely to stick to a treatment you choose yourself. 
    • Various options exist (activities, therapeutic interventions) to reduce depressive symptoms. These options can cause benefits or harms. It is difficult to predict how they will work for you.
    • Choosing an intervention or watchful waiting are both acceptable options in mild or moderate depression.
We recommend that...

We recommend that...

  • The decision take into account the person’s values and priorities
  • The decision be shared among the healthcare professional, the person and, if necessary, the friend or family caregiver
 
Completing the exercise to clarify your priorities

Version 1.0

Publication date: October 2018 - Evidence update: August 2017 - Next update: August 2019

© Laval University, 2018  -  Conflicts of interest  -  Credits