Paun Olimpia
J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv. 2023 Apr;61(4):8-9. doi: 10.3928/02793695-20230307-02. Epub 2023 Apr 1.
As the U.S. population ages, the prevalence of late-life depression (LLD) increases. The general assumption that depression is part of normal aging and lack of diagnostic criteria specific to older adults resulted in this condition being underdiagnosed and untreated, leading to serious public health concerns, including high rates of suicide. Because of its complex etiologies, LLD requires careful assessment, especially in older adults from diverse ethnic/racial backgrounds. Suicide risk should be thoroughly assessed, including regular follow ups. Modifiable risks, such as cardiovascular conditions, should be addressed in middle-age populations to prevent LLD. Evidence-based treatment modalities include pharmacological (less effective) and more effective nonpharmacological (i.e., neuromodulation, psychotherapy) approaches. LLD has policy and research implications. Evidence exists of a new impetus to invest federal, state, and local funding for public health programs dedicated to improving the overall health of older adults. Research is needed to measure outcomes of these programs. [(4), 8-11.].
随着美国人口老龄化，晚年抑郁症（LLD）的患病率不断上升。人们普遍认为抑郁症是正常衰老的一部分，且缺乏针对老年人的诊断标准，导致这种疾病未得到充分诊断和治疗，引发了严重的公共卫生问题，包括高自杀率。由于其病因复杂，LLD需要仔细评估，尤其是对于来自不同种族背景的老年人。应全面评估自杀风险，包括定期随访。可改变的风险因素，如心血管疾病，应在中年人群中加以应对，以预防LLD。基于证据的治疗方式包括药物治疗（效果较差）和更有效的非药物治疗（即神经调节、心理治疗）方法。LLD具有政策和研究意义。有证据表明，为致力于改善老年人整体健康的公共卫生项目投入联邦、州和地方资金有了新的动力。需要开展研究来衡量这些项目的成果。[(4), 8 - 11.]
