Why Depression Is Underdiagnosed in Older Adults

The Mighty reports that depression is often underdiagnosed and undertreated in men and women age 65 or older. Some risk factors for depression in seniors include: history of depression, being a widow/having someone you love die, lack of a supportive social network, reduced independence, damage to body image, fear of death, and side effects of prescription medications. So, why is depression underdiagnosed in this demographic? One reason is because baby boomers are less likely to believe they need mental health care and so they are less likely to bring it up. "Older people grew up in an era when talking about a psychiatric issue was certainly frowned upon, so there may be a generational issue," remarks Dr. Philip R. Muskin, psychiatry professor at Columbia University Medical Center. A second reason why depression is underdiagnosed in older adults is because the signs of depression may be misinterpreted. Difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, lack of concentration, and forgetfulness are four common signs of depression. But all four individually or together could be mistaken for other health conditions.