Key features of depression and its management in general practice.
 
 

"..I'd like to return to work.."

 
1. Sleep disturbance is a useful indicator of depression in old age.
2. Decline in appetite is a useful indicator of depression in old age.
3. Anxiety is a useful indicator of depression in old age.
4. Depression is less likely to become chronic in old age.
5. Biological symptoms of depression in the elderly tend to get worse over time.
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1. Sleep disturbance is a useful indicator of depression in old age.

Author's answer: True.

An important clue to recognition of depression in the elderly is a complaint of persistent sleep disturbance; sleep disturbances are relatively common in older people and have been found to be significantly associated with depression in community-residing elderly.