Depressão no idoso: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract

Introduction: The increase in the elderly population is intense and inevitable. Currently, elderly account for 12% of the total population of Braz. Associated with na increased number of elderly in the population, there is a prevalence of several chronic degenerative diseases and pathologies related to impairment of neuropsychiatric function. Depression is one of them, characterized as a syndrome that involves various aspects: clinical and pathogenic, and is considered a risk factor for the dementia process of the elderly. Objective: Aimed to survey literature of scientific publications about depression in the elderly, in publications journals online, indexed on the Lilacs, Medline and BDENF databases. This study was made using the assumptions of the systematic review with coverage time between the years 2004 and 2014. Results: From the analysis, data were obtained from 15 publications. Two categories emerged, one about geriatric depression :risks and vulnerabilities ; geriatric depression : comorbidities. Conclusion: It was evidenced the importance of knowing aspects of geriatric depression that is common both in seniors living in the community and institutionalized. It is a syndrome that is related to loss experiences, as bereavement or presence of one or more diseases, and may lead to suicide. So, the nurse, as member of the healthcare team, should contribute to the planning of actions aimed for monitoring prevention and rehabilitation of the elderly, with multidisciplinary approach.