Mood Changes, Depression and Anxiety in Older Adults | Geriatrician Manly
Mood Changes, Depression and Anxiety in Older Adults
Mood changes in later life are common, but they should not be ignored. Depression, anxiety, irritability, withdrawal or loss of interest in usual activities can significantly affect an older person’s health, independence and quality of life.
Sometimes mood changes are related to grief, loneliness, illness, pain, medication changes, reduced mobility or changes in independence. In other cases, mood symptoms may overlap with memory concerns, sleep problems or broader medical issues.
Mood Changes Are Not Just a Normal Part of Ageing
It is sometimes assumed that low mood or anxiety is inevitable as people get older. This is not the case. While older adults may face significant life changes, persistent depression, anxiety or emotional distress should be assessed and supported.
Mood concerns may present differently in older adults compared with younger people. Some people may not describe feeling “depressed” or “anxious”, but may instead report physical symptoms, poor sleep, reduced appetite, low energy, irritability, loss of confidence or withdrawal from family and social activities.
Signs of Depression or Anxiety in Older Adults
It may be worth speaking with a GP if an older adult is experiencing:
- Persistent low mood or sadness
- Anxiety, worry or fearfulness
- Loss of interest in usual activities
- Social withdrawal
- Irritability or personality changes
- Poor sleep or sleeping more than usual
- Reduced appetite or weight changes
- Low energy or fatigue
- Loss of confidence
- Increased physical complaints
- Difficulty concentrating
- Reduced motivation to leave the home
- Thoughts of hopelessness or feeling like a burden
If there are any immediate concerns about safety, urgent medical support should be sought.
Why Mood Changes Need Careful Assessment
Mood symptoms in older adults can have many possible causes. These may include psychological, social and medical factors.
Possible contributors include:
- Grief or bereavement
- Loneliness or social isolation
- Chronic pain
- Reduced mobility
- Loss of independence
- Medication side effects
- Sleep problems
- Cognitive changes or dementia
- Recent illness or hospitalisation
- Thyroid problems or vitamin deficiencies
- Alcohol use
- Stress related to caring roles or family changes
Because mood symptoms can overlap with medical and cognitive concerns, a broader assessment can be helpful.
Depression, Anxiety and Memory Concerns
Depression and anxiety can affect concentration, memory and decision-making. In some older adults, mood symptoms may look similar to cognitive decline.
At the same time, memory problems or early cognitive changes can contribute to anxiety, withdrawal or low mood.
A geriatrician can help assess mood and cognition together, which may be useful when families or carers are unsure whether changes are mainly emotional, cognitive, medical or a combination of factors.
How a Geriatrician Can Help
A geriatrician is a specialist doctor who focuses on the health and wellbeing of older adults. For mood changes, depression and anxiety, a geriatrician may assess the person’s mood symptoms in the context of their overall health, medications, cognition, mobility, function and support needs.
This can help identify contributing factors and guide a practical management plan in collaboration with the patient’s GP and care team.
Depending on the situation, recommendations may include further medical review, medication review, psychological support, social supports, lifestyle strategies, allied health input or referral to other services where appropriate.
Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment for Mood Concerns
For older adults with several overlapping concerns, mood assessment may form part of a comprehensive geriatric assessment.
This may include review of:
- Current mood and emotional wellbeing
- Memory and cognition
- Medical conditions
- Medications
- Sleep and appetite
- Pain and mobility
- Falls risk
- Daily function and independence
- Family, social and care supports
- Ongoing management needs
This type of assessment can be particularly useful when mood symptoms occur alongside memory changes, frailty, falls, reduced independence or complex medical conditions.
75+ Health Assessments and Mood
For patients aged 75 and over, a 75+ health assessment with a GP can help identify changes in mood, memory, mobility, medications, home safety and support needs.
If depression, anxiety or emotional wellbeing concerns are identified during a 75+ health assessment, the GP may recommend further review, support services or referral to a geriatrician where specialist assessment is appropriate.
When to Seek Help
Families and carers should consider seeking help if an older adult’s mood changes are persistent, worsening or affecting daily life.
This may include changes in sleep, appetite, self-care, social connection, confidence, mobility, memory or ability to manage at home.
A GP is usually the best first point of contact. They can assess immediate concerns, provide support and refer to a geriatrician if specialist input is needed.You can organise a referral with a GP consulting at SSMC here.
Referrals in Manly
Dr Amit Gupta accepts referrals from GPs consulting at South Steyne Medical Centre, as well as external GPs in the wider community.
For more information, please contact South Steyne Medical Centre.
Important Scope of Practice Note
Dr Amit Gupta provides comprehensive geriatric medical assessments, including assessment of mood concerns in older adults. However, he does not provide financial capacity decision-making assessments or assessments related to wills.
If you require advice about legal decision-making, financial capacity or wills, please seek appropriate legal advice and speak with your GP about suitable referral options.
FAQ
Are depression and anxiety common in older adults?
Depression and anxiety can affect older adults, particularly when there are health changes, grief, isolation, pain, reduced mobility or loss of independence. Persistent symptoms should be assessed.
Can depression look like memory loss in older adults?
Yes. Depression and anxiety can affect concentration, memory and confidence. A medical assessment can help clarify whether symptoms are related to mood, cognition, medical issues or several factors.
When should an older adult see a doctor for mood changes?
An older adult should speak with a GP if mood changes are persistent, worsening, affecting daily life, causing withdrawal, disrupting sleep or appetite, or raising concerns for family or carers.
Can a geriatrician help with mood disorders in older adults?
Yes. A geriatrician can assess mood symptoms in the context of an older person’s medical conditions, medications, cognition, function, mobility and support needs.
Can a 75+ health assessment identify mood concerns?
Yes. A 75+ health assessment with a GP can help identify mood, memory, mobility, medication and support concerns in older adults.
Where does Dr Amit Gupta consult?
Dr Amit Gupta consults at South Steyne Medical Centre in Manly.
