Late-Life Depression Quiz


Late-Life Depression Quiz

Older adults often suffer from depression needlessly because they fail to recognize its signs or are reluctant to talk with their health care provider about it. In addition, friends and family may think that the symptoms of depression they see in an older person are just a passing mood. Depression, however, is a medical illness. Learn more about depression in the elderly by taking this quiz.

1. Depression is a natural part of growing older.
2. When depression is properly diagnosed and treated, 50 percent of those suffering from it recover.
3. Common symptoms of depression include feeling worthless or helpless, feeling sad for two weeks or more, and having difficulty sleeping and concentrating.
4. Chronic or serious illness or death of a spouse or another family member can trigger depression.
5. Depression always has an obvious cause.
6. Illnesses such as Parkinson's, cancer, heart disease, and stroke can trigger depression.
7. Treatments for depression include counseling and antidepressant medication.
8. People older than age 65 account for 10 percent of suicides in the United States.
9. Most insurance companies don't cover depression treatment.
10. When left untreated, depression can worsen the symptoms of other illnesses and lead to premature death.