Normal Aging or Depression in Very Old People
Normal Aging or Depression in Very Old People
The analyses identified a qualitative difference in very old age between SSD and depression, in which people with SSD experienced and expressed more satisfaction in life and had more interests. This indicates that the distinction between depression and SSD might be more than just a matter of quantity and that the question of satisfaction with life, and maintaining interests, is a fundamental point in this distinction. On the other hand, the analyses indicated no tangible differences between informants with SSD and those with nondepression, possibly indicating that SSD is not related to pathology but to normal aging, even though the condition correlates with negative health parameters.
Overall, the interviews and the four identified themes give a comprehensive picture of SSD in very old people, in which, for example, declining bodily functions, self-determination, and anticipatory coping are fundamental features. This means that the understanding of SSD in very old people should include an evaluation of these psychosocial aspects of living. Overlooking these aspects may pose a risk of underdiagnosis or overdiagnosis in the spectrum of depressive disorders. As stated before, although symptoms and associated suffering are generally mild in SSD, the prevalence is high, which indicates that these are important questions for many old people.
Conclusions
The analyses identified a qualitative difference in very old age between SSD and depression, in which people with SSD experienced and expressed more satisfaction in life and had more interests. This indicates that the distinction between depression and SSD might be more than just a matter of quantity and that the question of satisfaction with life, and maintaining interests, is a fundamental point in this distinction. On the other hand, the analyses indicated no tangible differences between informants with SSD and those with nondepression, possibly indicating that SSD is not related to pathology but to normal aging, even though the condition correlates with negative health parameters.
Overall, the interviews and the four identified themes give a comprehensive picture of SSD in very old people, in which, for example, declining bodily functions, self-determination, and anticipatory coping are fundamental features. This means that the understanding of SSD in very old people should include an evaluation of these psychosocial aspects of living. Overlooking these aspects may pose a risk of underdiagnosis or overdiagnosis in the spectrum of depressive disorders. As stated before, although symptoms and associated suffering are generally mild in SSD, the prevalence is high, which indicates that these are important questions for many old people.
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