aetiology
Last reviewed 01/2018
- loneliness, for example following bereavement, or because of less social contact
- poor physical health, particularly where this is disabling or leads to a loss of independence. Common examples include visual or auditory impairment, osteo- arthritis.
- precipitation by life events - note that after a bereavement up to 20% are clinically depressed for a year
- depression is more common amongst elderly women than men
- may occur as a side-effect of certain drugs