Risk Factors and Signs of Depression

Predisposing and precipitating risk factors (note: the list is not exhaustive)

• Cognitive decline or dementia
• Social isolation
• Medical diagnosis or diagnoses associated with a high risk of depression (e.g., neurodegenerative disease, cerebrovascular disease)
• Chronic physical health problem with associated functional impairment
• Personal or family history of depression or mood disorder 
• History of attempted suicide or psychiatric hospitalization 
• Current use of a medication associated with a high risk of depression
• Alcohol or substance misuse (may include chronic benzodiazepine use)
• Institutional placement (admission to long-term care or in-patient setting)
• New stressful losses, including loss of autonomy, loss of privacy, loss of functional status, loss of body part
• Financial difficultiesBereavement
• Domestic abuse or violence

Signs and symptoms

Clinicians commonly use the mnemonic SIGECAPS to remember the signs and symptoms of depression in older adults.

SIGECAPS:
Sleep Disorder (increased or decreased)
Interest deficit (anhedonia)
Guilt (worthlessness, hopelessness, regret)
Energy deficit
Concentration deficit
Appetite disorder (increased or decreased)
Psychomotor retardation or agitation
Suicidality

Additional symptoms: chronic pain, constipation and musculoskeletal disorders