IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-7-3-14689 Original Research Paper A Study of Assessment of Depression Among Geriatric Population Ravindra Y M Dr. March 2018 7 3 01 02 ABSTRACT

 

Older people face many physical and mental health challenges which need to be recognized. Over 20% of adults aged 60 and above suffer from a mental or neurological disorder and 6.6% of all disability (disability adjusted life years–Dalys) among people over 60 years is attributed to mental and neurological disorders. Mental disorders though more prevalent but has got the low priority in most of the countries around the world, of which depression among the elderly population being the most common treatable medical condition and is the most frequent cause of emotional distress. According to WHO Mental Health Report 2012, depression is estimated to affect 350 million people. The World Mental Health Survey conducted in 17 countries found that on average about 1 in 20 people reported having an episode of depression in 2011. In India, community–based studies on mental disorder have revealed that the prevalence of depression varies between 13% and 46% among the elderly population. This study puts in a sincere effort in assessment of Depression among Gediatric Population.