Ryden, Muriel B., et al. Assessment of Depression in a Population At Risk. Several factors contribute to the risk for depression in newly admitted nursing facility residents. Separation, loss of independence, functional decline, limited personal space, and loss of autonomy are all contributing factors. Estimates of depression in this population range between 12 percent and 15 percent with an additional 18 percent to 30 percent with depressive symptoms.
Depression is underdiagnosed and undertreated in the nursing facility population.
Assessment of depression is a complex process because symptoms associated with depression such as weight loss, fatigue, and insomnia, are also associated with many medical illnesses. The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research developed practice guidelines for depression in 1993. However, these guidelines need to be modified to make them appropriate for nursing facility residents. Tools for assessment are discussed. Wallace, Steven P., et al.