Presentation of depression in the elderly: X indicates the symptom is prominent; XX indicates the symptom is very prominent.
| TYPICAL SYMPTOMS | PROMINENT IN ELDERLY PATIENTS | PROMINENT IN YOUNGER PATIENTS |
|---|---|---|
| SIG E CAPS | ||
| • Sleep (insomnia or excess sleep) | XX | X |
| • Interest (anhedonia) | X | X |
| • Guilt | X (often feeling a burden to family) | XX |
| • Energy | XX | X |
| • Concentration | X | X |
| • Affect (dysphoria) | XX | |
| • Psychomotor changes | XX | X |
| • Suicide | X (higher rate, especially for older men) | X |
| Other | ||
| • Anxiety | XX | X |
| • Decreased appetite or weight loss | X | X |
| • Complaints of memory loss | XX | |
| • Pain | X | |
| • Fatigue | XX | X |
Data from the Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health.1