As we grow older, we slowly begin to become dependent on our caregivers for nourishment needs and emotional support. This is why it has been wisely said, “A man growing old becomes a child again”. However, with the advent of technology, humans have become busier than ever before, with little left for themselves to look after anyone. And, as individuals transition to later stages in life, their bodies and minds undergo a series of changes which bear an impact on their physical and mental well- being.
Apart from the physical ailments such as decreased mobility or chronic illnesses, older adults after crossing a certain age are faced with challenges like reduced socialization, loss of loved one, increased loneliness, especially post-retirement. All these factors combined often make older adults more susceptible to depression. Despite awareness around mental health issues, depression is often undiagnosed among senior individuals.
However, it is important to understand that just like mental health issues in younger demographic require attention and effective intervention, elderly population need similar type of treatment. It is because, timely intervention can prevent escalation of depression into serious health challenges. Intervention can only be effective with the help of accurate detection of symptoms, and this is why assessment for depression in older adults is highly recommended by health professionals in the present times.
The symptoms of depression in elderly
Accurate detection of potential signs is considered as first step towards seeking effective treatment and recovery from an illness. Using assessment tools for depression in the elderly can make a huge difference in overcoming the condition. It is important to understand that the following signs and symptoms can vary in intensity depending on the individual:
• Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Changes in sleeping patterns or appetite
• Difficulty in concentration and loss of interest
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
• Low self – esteem and confidence
• Having pessimistic view of future
• Recurrent thoughts of self-harm, death or suicide
How assessment tools offer help in depression treatment in older adults?
Since symptoms of depression can be misunderstood as emotional distress in elderly, attempting detailed assessment are considered as the first step towards recovery as it helps to precisely identify the severity and causes behind the condition by providing in-depth analysis one’s psychological state. Here are the following advantages of assessments for depression:
1. Recognition of underlying triggers
There can be many factors which can contribute significantly to depression if remained unresolved for a long time. Some of these underlying factors can include unresolved trauma, deteriorating health conditions, sense of abandonment, loss of a loved one, relationship issues. By identifying the root causes, these assessments facilitate targeted approach and treatment.
2. Customized Treatment and Intervention
As no two individuals can react to an illness in an exact similar way, it is important to ensure that intervention provided addresses an individual’s unique needs. By providing detailed evaluations on the individual’s mental health, these comprehensive assessments allow practitioners to curate tailormade interventions for effective recovery.
3. Enabling emotional care and support
An elderly suffering from mental health issues requires special care and attention. The evaluations derived from assessment for depression in older adults also helps their families to adopt a more empathetic approach and offer emotional care which is required. This ensures a prevention of escalation of depression into drastic steps such as suicide or self – harm.
Why should choose detailed assessments for elderly offered by Prism?
By now, you must have realized the impact that severe health conditions like depression can have on the adults, causing serious implications regarding physical and mental wellbeing in future. This is the reason why seeking right assessment tools for depression in elderly are highly recommended by healthcare professionals, for it provides a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s overall wellbeing.
When it comes to providing holistic mental health assessment, services provided by Prism pave the way for offering evidence-based assessment tools and integrated intervention plan to ensure psychological wellness. Through our innovative health application, we offer a range of online scientifically backed tests.
To make psychological assessment and tailored intervention accessible for all, our services include access to evidence – based assessment, personalized reports, tailored support tools, virtual therapy sessions, guidance and effective progress monitoring which help to detect the symptoms and in turn help elderly individuals on their path to recovery.
If you are interested to know more about our services, you can visit the official website and support your loved ones in their healing journey!
