Pain and depression in older adults: a literature review /
Translation of Title
Pain and Depression in Older Adults: a Literature Review.
Authors
Trimborn, Susanne Renate
Full Text
Pages
25
Keywords [eng]
Pain, depression, older adults, elderly, geriatric patients, social life, chronic illness, multimorbidity, chronic pain, psychological conditions, mental health, quality of life
Abstract [eng]
Pain and depression are common conditions among geriatric patients that significantly impact their quality of life as well as their overall well-being. This literature review aims to summarize existing research on the relationship between pain and depression in the older adult's population. A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases to identify relevant free full scientific articles. The review investigates the prevalence of pain in older adults, examines their correlations and discusses the relevant implications for clinical practice and future research on the topic. The findings imply a bidirectional relationship between pain and depression, where each disorder worsens the severity and the burden of the other. Furthermore, factors such as age-related changes, multimorbidity and psychosocial factors contribute to the experience and management of pain and depression in this demographic group. The review emphasizes the need for comprehensive geriatric assessment and management strategies that should be tailored to the unique needs of each patient. Future research should focus on clarifying the underlying mechanisms of the pain-depression association and evaluating the effectiveness of integrated interventions in improving outcomes. This literature review furthers a deeper understanding of the complex bidirectional relationship and educates on evidence-based practice in geriatric healthcare.