Faculty Publications and Other Works -- Nursing

Title

Screening Instruments for Older Adult Depressive Disorders: Updating the Evidence-Based Toolbox

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2008

Abstract

The prevalence of clinically significant depressive disorders in persons 65 years of age or older in the United States has been estimated to be approximately 15%, increasing the risk for functional decline, morbidity, and mortality. Utilization of a well-chosen screening instrument has been shown to improve the rates of recognition of depressive disorders in older adults. This paper presents a targeted review of the most commonly accepted tools for case-finding of depressive disorders in older adults. After a review of the benefits and shortcomings of screening tools, the strengths, weaknesses, and utility of selected depression scales in geriatric clinical settings are discussed.

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