Assessment of depression in aging contexts: General considerations when working with older adults.

Abstract

Popular assertions portray depression as an inevitable outcome of aging, a widespread image embraced by
\nmany health professionals. Although epidemiological data contradict the prevalent image that depressive
\nsyndromes increase with age, the prognosis becomes more negative as one grows older. An early thorough
\nassessment is vital to identify depressive symptoms in older adults, thus promoting the development of tailored
\ninterventions and improved recovery rates. The main problems associated with the assessment of depressive
\nsymptoms in older adults include a lack of knowledge about changes in the pattern of symptoms, the
\ninadequacy of techniques developed for other age cohorts, the misuse of psychometric instruments, and
\ndeficits in additional areas of assessment. The underlying goal of this article is to analyze the obstacles to a
\nsuccessful assessment of depression symptoms in older adults, suggesting strategies to overcome them.