Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Why is depression in older adults often overlooked by primary care providers?

1. Older adults are less likely to engage in therapy

2. Older adults may not have access to healthcare

3. Older adults are less likely to report feeling sad or worthless

4. Older adults often confuse depression with aging

The correct answer is: Older adults are less likely to report feeling sad or worthless

Depression in older adults is frequently overlooked by primary care providers, primarily because many older individuals may not articulate classic symptoms of depression such as sadness or feelings of worthlessness. Instead, they might express their emotional struggles in physical terms or attribute their experiences to normal aging. This subtlety can lead healthcare providers to misinterpret the signs of depression, assuming they are part of the aging process rather than a distinct mental health condition. As a result, older adults might not receive the attention they need for their mental health challenges, leading to a significant gap in care. Recognizing that older patients often do not report feelings of sadness or worthlessness can help providers adopt a more comprehensive approach to mental health assessments, ensuring that they evaluate older adults not just for physical ailments but also for psychological well-being.