Final answer:
Geriatric depression is often triggered by losses such as decreased social contact post-retirement, bereavement, and physical health issues, with a strong link between heart disease and depression. Multi-faceted psychological suffering has also been shown to predict the onset of heart disease in elderly individuals. Major depression's symptoms include intense sadness, mental and physical changes, which particularly affect the elderly, whose emotional and mental well-being may be further complicated by other conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
For geriatric patients, depression can be triggered by various losses experienced during old age. The transition into retirement can result in decreased social contact and increase feelings of loneliness, which may lead to depression. Additionally, elderly adults may face ageism, potentially worsening their sense of isolation and self-worth. Bereavement, particularly due to widowhood, is a significant factor that can induce depression in the elderly. The death of a spouse often results in a profound sense of loss and can be the first significant experience of grief for many people.
Furthermore, there is a clear relationship between physical health issues and depression. For instance, patients with heart disease have higher rates of depression, and those with depression have an increased risk of developing heart disease. Physical changes like dehydration and even mild acidosis can cause lethargy, a run-down feeling, and if not promptly treated, may lead to depression. Lastly, experiencing multi-faceted psychological responses, such as a combination of depression, anxiety, hostility, and anger, has been found to be more predictive of heart disease than any single psychological risk factor.
It's crucial to distinguish major depression from normal sadness and grief. Major depression includes intense sadness and despair, mental slowing, concentration difficulties, and physical changes like weight loss and hormonal disruptions. These symptoms significantly impact the quality of life and may coincide with other conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, further complicating the emotional and mental well-being of elderly patients.