Citation

Marcus P, Kennedy GJ, Wetherbee C, Korenblatt J, Dorta H, Lantz MS. Clin. Geriatr. 2006; 14(7): 13-16.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Multimedia Healthcare)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Depressive symptoms and undiagnosed major depression are prevalent among older home care patients. Treatment of depression enhances self-care, improves compliance with and adherence to medical care, improves treatment outcomes, and reduces the risk of suicide. Unfortunately, neither home care agencies nor office-based psychiatrists have traditionally provided the care needed to diagnose and treat this population. Depression is infrequently recognized among older home care patients, and typically becomes a persistent problem. The authors of this AAGP Psychiatry Rounds column sought to address this need through the training of professional home care staff to better identify persons with depression, and by better integrating psychiatric services within the home care agency.

Language: en

Keywords

human; female; aged; case report; depression; suicide attempt; major depression; treatment outcome; disease severity; article; mental health care; anxiety disorder; patient compliance; home care; staff training; anamnesis; medical care; escitalopram; health care need; risk reduction; self care; memory disorder