Depression in Geriatric Patients (2022)-Depression Fact Sheet 2022

Depression Fact Sheet 2022

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Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects how a person feels, thinks, and functions on a daily basis. It is not a normal part of aging and can be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Depression is associated with an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain and can occur at any age.<br /><br />There are certain risk factors for depression, including certain personality traits, traumatic or stressful events, personal or family history of depression, LGBTQ+ identity, history of other mental health disorders, substance abuse, chronic illness, and certain medications.<br /><br />Symptoms of depression can vary from mild to severe and must last for at least 2 weeks. Common symptoms include sadness or depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide.<br /><br />Screening for depression is recommended, especially in the geriatric population. Various screening tools are available, such as the Geriatric Depression Scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire. Diagnosis of depression is based on specific criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.<br /><br />Treatment options for depression include medication, therapy, somatic therapy, and alternative therapies. The choice of antidepressant depends on factors such as tolerability, safety, comorbid conditions, cost, patient preference, and prior treatment history. Antidepressant therapy should be administered for at least 4 to 8 weeks before determining its effectiveness. Long-term maintenance therapy may be recommended for patients at risk of recurrence.<br /><br />CPT code 96127 is used to screen for depression, while ICD-10-CM codes F32 and F33 are used to classify major depressive disorder. HCPCS codes are used for billing medical procedures, with Level I codes equivalent to CPT codes and Level II codes representing non-physician services.<br /><br />In summary, depression is a serious condition that can affect people of all ages. It is important to recognize the symptoms, screen for depression, and provide appropriate treatment to improve the well-being of patients.

Keywords

Depression

Mental health

Genetic factors

Neurotransmitters

Risk factors

Symptoms of depression

Screening for depression

Diagnosis of depression

Treatment options for depression

CPT code 96127