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Assessing depression in physically disabled adults
I will start by briefly describing what this presentation is about.
First I will outline the purpose of the research. Then I will discuss the methods and results of the study. Finally, I will conclude my presentation by stating the implications of these results for nursing care.
Introduction
For you to understand fully the subject of this paper, I will begin by outlining the assessment tool used in this study: the CES-D scale.
CES-D scale stands for Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale. It is a self-report depression scale designed to measure depression symptoms in the general population. It is made up of twenty questions, named symptom items.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether it is appropriate to use the CES-D scale to assess depression in physically disabled adults.
In order to do so it is necessary to confirm or refute two hypothesis:
First, the elevated rate of depression in physically disabled adults may be due to the fact that symptoms associated with their disability, for example loss of appetite, may have them produce positive answers to CES-D items, thus distorting the results.
Second, strain accompanying physical incapacity may be likely to create temporary symptoms. As data shows that only persistent symptoms point to depression, the latter could be overrated among the physically disabled.
I. Methods
Using the CES-D scale, a group of disabled persons have been interviewed.
The items were divided into two sets of categories: Somatic and Psychological symptoms along with Present and Persistent symptoms. The results were compared to those of a non-disabled population deriving from a previous study.
II. Results
When we look at the results, they show that the physically disabled suffer more from depression than general population.
This elevated risk of presenting depression is more manifest regarding psychological and persistent symptoms than somatic and temporary ones.
III. Discussion
The results make it possible to draw the conclusion that the original problematic issues can be rejected.
This conclusion suggests that the use of the CES-D scale is appropriate with physically disabled persons as well as the general population.
IV. Conclusion
After analysing the results of this study, we can conclude that the important rate of depression among physically disabled persons is real rather than a product of measurement bias.
Acknowledging this conclusion, it is necessary that nurses be conscious of the signs and the effects of depression on their disabled patients. Most importantly, if such sign should be detected, it is essential to adapt the care approach and perhaps refer the patient to a mental health specialist.
