Patient Decision Aid
Depression
Depression in Older Adults
Introduction
Who and why?
Priorities
Clarification exercise
Options
Explore the options
Decision
Make an informed choice
Profile
Summary of my process
Introduction
Who and why?
Depression is characterized by continuous feelings of sadness and worthlessness, and a lack of desire to engage in formerly pleasurable activities. It interferes with daily life and normal functioning. Depression may involve the body, mood, and thoughts. It may cause problems with thinking or memory and sometimes physical problems (pain, digestion problems, sleep problems, or fatigue).
Any person who reports feeling depressed, or who has received a diagnosis of any depressive disorder, and wants to feel better.
Depending on your priorities, you may or may not decide to make a change. This choice is up to you because...
- You are more likely to stick to a treatment you choose yourself.
- Various options exist (activities, therapeutic interventions) to reduce depressive symptoms. These options can cause benefits or harms. It is difficult to predict how they will work for you.
- Choosing an intervention or watchful waiting are both acceptable options in mild or moderate depression.
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- The decision take into account the person’s values and priorities.
- The decision is shared among the healthcare professional, the person and, if necessary, the caregiver.
