Depression and Anxiety in Older Adults: When Mental Health Looks Like a Physical Problem

Course overview

Depression and anxiety in older adults are frequently under-recognized because they often present as somatic or cognitive complaints that mimic medical illness or are misattributed to "normal aging." Ageism's impact on assessment and access to care is an important consideration when evaluating older patients. Key screening tools, practical documentation tips, and clinical red flags for urgent intervention (including suicide risk) are helpful diagnostic aids. The epidemiology, typical subjective and objective findings, appropriate laboratory and exam workups, diagnostic differentiation (especially versus delirium and dementia), and evidence-based treatment approaches are discussed.