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Older people coping with low mood: a qualitative study.
Margaret von Faber1, Geertje van der Geest1, Gerda M van der Weele2
1Department of Public Health and Primary Care,Leiden University Medical Center,PO Box 9600,2300 RC Leiden,the Netherlands.
International Psychogeriatrics
|December 18, 2015
Summary
Older adults with depressive symptoms often feel their coping strategies are sufficient. General practitioners can aid self-management by discussing these strategies and available support options.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
- Primary Care
Background:
- Investigating support for older adults experiencing low mood.
- Exploring perceptions, strategies, and needs of elderly individuals with depressive symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand the self-perceived coping mechanisms and support needs of older adults with depressive symptoms.
- To examine how complex health problems influence these perceptions and needs.
Main Methods:
- In-depth interviews with 38 participants aged 77 years and older, screened positive for depressive symptoms.
- Comparison between 19 participants with and 19 without complex health problems (functional, somatic, psychological, or social).
Main Results:
- Participants employed various cognitive, social, and practical coping strategies, categorized into mastery, acceptance, ambivalence, and need for support.
- Most participants felt capable of managing their mood, but some with complex problems desired professional support.
- Ambivalence towards interventions was noted, particularly among those with complex issues, due to fear of disrupting their stability.
Conclusions:
- Older adults with depressive symptoms generally view their coping strategies as adequate.
- General practitioners can enhance self-management by discussing coping effectiveness, risks, and alternative interventions with older patients.
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