Relationship Between Depression And Frailty Syndrome

‘The relationship between depression and frailty syndrome: a systematic review’ Cristina Buigues, Celia Padilla-Sà ¡nchez, Julio Fernà ¡ndez Garrido, Rut Navarro-Martà ­nez, Vicente Ruiz-Ross and Omar Cauli Purpose of review definition of topic The purpose of this systematic review was to identify the relationship between depression and frailty syndrome in the older individuals, specifically whether â€Å"depression facilitates the appearance of frailty syndrome or vice versa, or [the] two coexist independently in the same individuals† (Buigues et al. 2014). This is an important relationship to identify as the two conditions are often seen co-existing in a subgroup of older individuals, and both lead to an increase in health care expenditures and†¦show more content†¦2014). It is known that depression can lead to complications in chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and stroke, increase morbidity and mortality, and increases health care expenditures. However, while â€Å"many older adults may face widowhood or loss of function or independence†¦depression is not considered a normal part of aging† (Buigues et al. 2014). Despite depression being one of the two syndromes being explored in this article, the authors have not given a specific, clinical definition for depression. During their primary search, they used the term â€Å"depression† and included articles that measured depressive symptoms or depression. This lack of specificity may have lead to some bias or inappropriate inclusions in this review. The authors would have benefited by creating or using a more defined definition for depression, such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders V (DSM-V) or stated clearly whether or not the relationship th ey were exploring was between frailty and depression or frailty and depressive symptoms. The DSM-V defines depression as requiring â€Å"five (or more of) the following symptoms have been present during the same 2-week period and represent a change from previous functioning; at least one of the symptoms is either (1) depressed mood (2) loss of interest or pleasure† and includes the following