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Table 3 Overlapping symptoms of depression and frailty

From: Systematic review and meta-analysis of second-generation antidepressants for the treatment of older adults with depression: questionable benefit and considerations for frailty

Symptom

Depression (DSM-5)a

Possible in frailty

Depressed mood/irritability

Y

Y

Loss of interest

Y

Y

Weight change

Y

Y

Reduced activity

Y

Y

Fatigue/loss of energy

Y

Y

Change in sleep

Y

Y

Decreased concentration

Y

Y

Guilt and feeling worthless

Y

Maybe

Suicidality

Y

Thoughts of dying

  1. aFive or more of the symptoms are present during the same two-week time frame and represent a change from previous functioning. At least one of the symptoms is either (1) depressed mood or (2) loss of interest or pleasure. Additionally, symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impaired function and are not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance or to another medical condition
  2. DSM Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
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BMC Geriatrics

ISSN: 1471-2318

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