Late-Life Depression Quiz

Older adults often suffer needlessly from untreated depression because they don't know the symptoms. Or they may think it's a normal part of aging. Older adults may also fear being stigmatized by a diagnosis of depression. Or they don't want to talk with their healthcare provider about it because they think it shows weakness. Friends and family may think the symptoms of depression are just a passing mood. Depression is serious but treatable medical illness. Learn more about depression in older adults by taking this quiz.

1. Depression is a natural part of growing older.
2. One common symptom of depression is feeling sad for 2 weeks or more.
3. Long-term (chronic) illness can trigger depression.
4. Depression always has an obvious cause.
5. Illnesses such as Parkinson disease or cancer can trigger depression.
6. Treatments for depression include talk therapy (counseling) and antidepressant medicine.
7. People older than age 65 make up a large portion of suicides in the U.S.
8. Most insurance companies don't cover depression treatment.
9. If not treated, depression can make the symptoms of other illnesses worse.
Online Medical Reviewer: Felson, Sabrina, MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Fraser, Marianne, MSN, RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Watson, L Renee, MSN, RN
Date Last Reviewed: 5/1/2023
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