PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS IN OLD AGE: INVISIBILITY OF DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AND THE ROLE OF NURSING IN PRIMARY CARE

Abstract

This article aimed to map the manifestations of psychological distress in the elderly population and the challenges related to the identification of depressive symptoms in Primary Health Care. It is an epidemiological study, with a quantitative approach, cross-sectional and ecological design, developed from publicly available secondary data, normative documents, and scientific studies published between 2021 and 2026, complemented by searches in the PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases. The results showed that factors such as social isolation, widowhood, retirement, loss of autonomy, chronic diseases, and physical frailty are associated with psychological distress in old age. It was also identified that depressive symptoms can be expressed through sadness, hopelessness, loneliness, loss of interest, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, changes in appetite, and physical complaints, making their recognition difficult. The naturalization of these manifestations as inherent to aging and the difficulty in addressing them during consultations contribute to underdiagnosis. It is concluded that the qualification of professionals, active listening, strengthening of the bond, and the use of screening instruments, such as the GDS-15, can favor early identification and contribute to more comprehensive care for the elderly person.