Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026

A Behavioral Test Battery for the Repeated Assessment of Motor Skills, Mood, and Cognition in Mice
Published on: March 2, 2019
Comprehensive assessment of depression and behavioral problems in long-term care
Raymond T C M Koopmans1, Sytse U Zuidema, Roeslan Leontjevas
1Department of Primary and Community Care, Center for Family Medicine, Geriatric Care and Public Health, Alzheimer Centre Nijmegen, Radboud University Nijmegen, Medical Centre, The Netherlands. R.Koopmans@elg.umcn.nl
Background:
The IPA Taskforce on Mental Health Issues in Long-Term Care Homes seeks to improve mental health care in long-term care (LTC) homes. The aim of this paper is to provide recommendations on comprehensive assessment of depression and behavioral problems in order to further stimulate countries and professionals to enhance their quality of care.
Methods:
Existing guidelines on comprehensive assessment of depression or behavioral problems in nursing home (NH) patients or patients residing in LTC homes were collected and a literature review was carried out to search for recent evidence.
Results:
Five guidelines from several countries all over the world and two additional papers were included in this paper as a starting point for the recommendations. Comprehensive assessment of depression in LTC homes consists of a two-step screening procedure: an investigation to identify factors that influence the symptoms, followed by a formal diagnosis of depression according to DSM-IV-TR or the Provisional Diagnostic Criteria for Depression in Alzheimer Disease in cases of dementia. Comprehensive assessment of behavioral problems encompasses three steps: description and clarification of the behavior, additional investigation, and assessment of probable causes of the behavior. The procedure starts in the case of moderate behavioral problems.
Conclusion:
The recommendations given in this paper provide a useful guide to professional workers in the LTC sector, but clinical judgment and the consideration of the unique aspects of individual residents and their situations is necessary for an optimal assessment of depression and behavioral problems. The recommendations should not be rigidly applied and implementation will differ from country to country.
Related Concept Videos
Long-term Depression
Long-term Depression
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over time, all...
Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...
Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Long-Term Care Facilities
Depression: Overview
Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia

