An Overview of the Experience of Depression in Old People

An Overview of the Experience of Depression in Old People

This session discusses the high incidence of depression in the elderly. It includes an overview of the signs and symptoms of depressive illness. The two main risk factors associated with depression in an older person are discussed. Physical illness and decline of the ageing body, loss of physical health and dementia particularly in the early stages. are debated.  Pat concludes her talk by reflecting on the role of the nurse in regard to this debilitating illness.

The main concepts explored in this session are:

• Depressive illness
• Risk Factors for depression in the elderly
• Assessing the person suspected of having a depressive illness
• Role of the nurse in regard to caring fro older people with depressive illness

Patricia Awty

Pat is a nurse consultant and educator with extensive hospital and university based experience as a clinician, teacher and lecturer.  She is a qualified general and psychiatric nurse who has a Master of Health Science and a special interest in the psycho-dynamics of therapeutic relationships and care.

Pat is well known as an informed and inspiring nurse teacher and regularly conducts teaching sessions throughout Australia which are invariably highly evaluated.

Speaker name: Pat Awty
Recorded: 23 Mar 2010
Listening time: 18 Mins
Conference: Depression and the Elderly
Session in Conference: Treatment, Management and Care (Part1)
State: Melbourne, Australia

Professional Reviews: