CONTENTS

Table of Contents
Introduction

1. Overview
2. Alcohol
3. Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications
4. Barriers to Recognizing Problems
5. Signs and Symptoms of Misuse
6. Talking About Sensitive Issues
7. Assessing a Problem
8. Preventing Misuse
9. Intervention and Treatment

Supplements
Resources

Alcohol, Medication and Older Adults
For Those Who Care About or Care for an Older Adult

Module Content Introduction Screening Tools Depression Summary

Depression

Many older adults suffer from depression. Life events like the loss of a loved one or loss of income can trigger depression. Depression can accompany or result from certain health conditions such as heart attack or cancer. Some prescription drugs have depressive symptoms as side effects.

Symptoms of depression are similar to those of alcohol abuse. For a family member or caregiver, it may be hard to distinguish between depression, a bad mood, and a problem with alcohol. Sometimes the signs and symptoms may be a combination of real depression and the effects of alcohol and medication.

The Geriatric Depression Scale can indicate whether the symptoms seen or felt need further attention by a doctor. Answering these questions will not give a diagnosis. It does not replace in any way a formal psychiatric assessment.

Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) Short Form

Choose the best answer for how you have felt over the past week:

1.	Are you basically satisfied with your life?	YES	NO
2.	Have you dropped many of your activities and interests?	YES	NO
3.	Do you feel that your life is empty?	YES	NO
4.	Do you often get bored?	YES	NO
5.	Are you in good spirits most of the time?	YES	NO
6.	Are you afraid that something bad is going to happen to you?	YES	NO
7.	Do you feel happy most of the time?	YES	NO
8.	Do you often feel helpless?	YES	NO
9.	Do you prefer to stay at home rather than going out and doing new things?	YES	NO
10.	Do you feel you have more problems with memory than most?	YES	NO
11.	Do you think it is wonderful to be alive now?	YES	NO
12.	Do you feel pretty worthless the way you are now?	YES	NO
13.	Do you feel full of energy?	YES	NO
14.	Do you feel that your situation is hopeless?	YES	NO
15.	Do you think that most people are better off than you are?	YES	NO

Scoring: Score 1 point for every "yes" in questions 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15. Score 1 point for every "no" in questions 1, 5, 7, 11, 13.

A total score greater than 5 suggests the need to see a doctor.

If you are concerned about the answers received, call the doctor for further testing. There is a good reason to seek medical help. There are many effective ways to treat depression in older adults.

Source: Sheikh, J.I., and Yesavage, J.A. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS): Recent evidence and development of a shorter version. Clinical Gerontologist 5(1-2): 165-173, 1986.

A printable version (PDF) is available.
What is PDF?

Other Information Sources

Health professionals may use other tools to assess the physical, mental, and functional health of the older adult. This information is particularly important in recommending an appropriate treatment approach. For example, if an older adult finds it difficult to walk and uses a walker, you want to make sure you are sending that individual to a place with no stairs or with an elevator. Failure to consider such limitations can easily sabotage the best care.

Family members, friends, neighbors, and caregivers can provide valuable information about the older adult. They can confirm the information received in a screening tool and support the older adult in the process.