Depression in Older Adults - Essay Example

DEPRESSION Depression Definition of Depression Depression is a psychological disorder that leads to feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, irritability and restlessness hence affecting an individual’s thoughts, feelings and behavior (NIH, n.d). Depending on the severity of the condition, depression can be treated using either drugs or therapy (NHS, 2014). Impact of depression on older adult as well as significant others Depression leads to weight loss due to the stress that comes along with it. The inability of a depressed person to observe and monitor their health may also lead to weight loss. Depression further leads to anxiety that may later lead to the development of suicidal thoughts due to cognitive decline (Pearls, 2015). Sleep deprivation is yet another impact that eventually contributes to constant headaches and insomnia. Withdrawal and isolation that significantly interferes with a person’s social life is also an impact of depression. Failure to treat depression can lead to loss of life. Significant others such as caregivers may experience moments of stress, frustration and physical strain as a result of the depressed person’s ailment. Influence of two different types of settings pertinent aspects of presentation Different types of settings are pertinent aspects of presentation that influence depression. In older adults and younger adults, for instance, the influence is different. Various studies indicate that in younger adults the likelihood of experiencing feelings of worthlessness is higher as compared to older adults. This is because younger people are engaged in an active setting with complex social activities while older people operate on a fixed daily routine. This makes the chances of reduced interest in daily activities, sleep disturbance and fatigue higher in depressed younger adults that in depressed older adults. The difference in social and environmental activities between the two groups presents the effects of depression as being more chronic in older adults. Possible reasons for the differences in presentation are based on the fact that the elderly are highly exposed to other diseases. Other key influencing factors and characteristics of older adults who experience syndrome (e.g., risks, demographic characteristics, etc.) There are other influencing factors and characteristics of older adults who experience depression apart from the social influencers discussed above. For instance, genetic risks have been confirmed to contribute to this syndrome to a large extent (Fiske, Wetherell, & Gatz, 2010). The unique thing about genetic risks is that they present themselves earlier in life and develop all through an adult’s life. Physical illnesses and biological risk factors also have a role to play in this. This is because of the physical changes experienced by older people that expose them to other diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart attack among other late-life diseases that produce depressive reactions (Fiske, Wetherell, & Gatz, 2010). Psychological risk factors such as constant concentration on a problem may also influence depressed patients. Stressful events such as family and financial problems as well as inadequate practical and social support are also contributing factors. They bring about major changes in living conditions hence making it difficult for some people to cope. People who suffer from depression exhibit different characteristics including feelings of worthlessness, stress, guilt, poor concentration, anger and irritability among others. Evidence-based practices incorporation in NURSING assessment Evidence-based practices in nursing assessment is a process that includes asking patients structured questions and focusing on specific answers so as to make reliable and accurate conclusions. These questions also help the nurse to acquire relevant evidence from research that has been done on a patient. The practice also includes an appraisal of acquired information for validation purposes. Finally, performance is assessed through an audit and self-reflection process. Intervention and Evaluation Intervention strategies for depression involve the utilization of drugs and therapy. About medication, people suffering from depression are advised to seek treatment as soon as they begin to experience symptoms associated with the disorder. Antidepressants are prescribed or purchased over the counter. Whichever way they are obtained patients are advised to adhere to the correct dosage. Their work is to normalize brain reactions, and it takes close to four weeks before maximum benefits are realized. Intervention through psychotherapy includes the utilization of cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal and psychodynamic therapy (Leidenfrost, 2015). Therapy influences an individual’s thought, feelings and behavior to bring about a positive outcome. As compared to the use of drugs, research indicates that patients who go through therapy have a lower chance of relapse. Evaluation of depression includes an analysis of information regarding past experiences, diagnosis, present interventions and the effectiveness of the intervention (Nicholas, 2013). A patient is evaluated based on whether interventions result in positive or negative outcomes. It also focuses on whether patients can manage themselves without the help of a therapist. Finally, the evaluation determines whether treatment is to continue or to be terminated. Unique communication strategies including integration of patient centered principles Communication strategies for depression patients include the provision of education rather than criticizing the depressed individual. Communicating through education involves the use of insightful messages that lead to mental, emotional and physical growth. The other communication strategy is the validation of feelings. This strategy involves understanding the patient and letting them know that what they are going through is normal (UNC, 2015). Patient-centered principles on the other hand has got to do with concentration on the environmental and physical needs of the patient, empathy, respect and emotional support of the patient as well as involvement in the patient’s decision-making processes (Picker, 2015). Key collaborating health care team members Key collaborating health care team members include physicians, psychotherapists, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), pharmacists and non-governmental organizations. These collaborators work as individuals and as teams to ensure mental disorders are looked into through research, decision-making, monitoring and evaluation as well as treatment of depression. Safety consideration Safety considerations must be taken seriously among both older and younger adults so as to minimize the chances of developing depression. The first safety consideration includes countering the symptoms before they become severe through early diagnosis and treatment. Another safety consideration includes making regular consultations with a physician (Robinson, Smith, & Segal, 2015). This way the patient will become more knowledgeable about how they should take care of their bodies. Being aware of physical limitations helps patients suffering from depression to engage in activities that boost their stamina. This is achieved for example by observing a strict diet. Safety considerations do not only apply to patients but also to caregivers (APA, 2015). Quality of care indicators (i.e., outcomes) The quality of care indicators includes making a follow-up on depression patients make sure they are doing fine and committing themselves to treatment. Failure to record cases of relapse is also a quality indicator that indicates that the patient has recovered. The ability of the patient to make proper decisions and interact well with other people in society is also an outcome that suggests that quality care was provided. References APA. (2015). Aging and Depression. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Retrieved fromhttp://www.apa.org/helpcenter/aging-depression.aspx. Fiske, A., Wetherell, J. L., & Gatz, M. (2010). Depression in Older Adults. Bethsda: National Centre for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2852580/. Leidenfrost, C. (2015). Depression Intervention Strategies. Demand Media. Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/120777-depression-intervention-strategies/, NHS. (2014). Clinical Depression-Causes. National Health Service. Retrieved fromhttp://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Depression/Pages/Causes.aspx. Nicholas, D. B. (2013). Evaluation and Treatment for Anxiety and Depression. Professional Counseling Services. Retrieved from http://www.procounselingservices.com/evaluation-and-treatment-for-anxiety-and-depression/ NIH. (n.d). Other Adults and Depression. Bethesda: National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/older-adults-and-depression/index.shtml. Pearls. (2015). Depression for seniors. Pearlsprogram.org. Retrieved fromhttp://www.pearlsprogram.org/Our-Program/About-Depression/Depression-in-Older-Adults.aspx. Picker. (2015). Principles of patient-centered care. Buxton: Picker Institute. Retrieved fromhttp://www.pickereurope.org/about-us/principles-of-patient-centred-care/. Robinson, L., Smith, M., & Segal, J. (2015). Depression in Older Adults and the Elderly. Helpguide.org. Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/depression-in-older-adults-and-the-elderly.htm. UNC. (2015). Using Evidence Based Nursing in Practice. Columbia: The University of North Carolina. Retrieved from http://guides.lib.unc.edu/ebn_practice. Read More