PSYCHIATRIC ASSESSMENT OF ELDERLY PEOPLE WITH DEPRESSION IN PRIMARY CARE

Abstract

The psychiatric assessment of elderly people with depression in Primary Care is an extremely important issue due to the high prevalence and specific challenges associated with this population. With the aging population, depression among the elderly has become a global public health concern. Primary Care plays a fundamental role in the early identification, management and appropriate referral of elderly people with depression, due to its accessibility and continuity of care. Objective: The objective of this systematic review is to analyze and synthesize recent literature on the psychiatric assessment of elderly people with depression in Primary Care, focusing on assessment methods, intervention strategies and challenges faced by health professionals. Methodology: The review was carried out in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases were searched, using the descriptors "elderly", "depression", "primary care", "psychiatric evaluation" and "geriatric evaluation". The inclusion criteria were studies published in the last 10 years, in English or Portuguese, that addressed the psychiatric assessment of elderly people with depression in Primary Care. The exclusion criteria were studies focusing exclusively on non-elderly populations, studies with inadequate methodologies and studies not fully available. Results: The analysis of the studies revealed that the psychiatric evaluation of elderly people with depression in Primary Care is complex due to the presence of medical comorbidities, atypical symptoms and difficulties in communication. Geriatric assessment instruments, such as the GDS, have been widely used in detecting and monitoring depression in the elderly. Furthermore, integrated treatment strategies, involving pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, have been recommended to improve clinical outcomes. Conclusion: The psychiatric assessment of elderly people with depression in Primary Care requires a multidimensional and interdisciplinary approach to ensure accurate identification and effective management of the condition. Integration of care among healthcare professionals, along with greater awareness of the specific challenges faced by older adults, is essential to improving clinical outcomes and quality of life in this vulnerable population.