To meet criteria for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder,
the older adult must exhibit at least 1 of 2 symptoms, depressed
mood and/or lack of interest, for at least 2 weeks. In
the nursing home, older adults are more likely to complain of
loss of interest rather than overt depressed mood. Even so, the
diagnosis can be made using the criteria listed below. For a
diagnosis of major depression, the older adult must exhibit an
additional 4 or more of the following symptoms for at least 2
weeks. Older adults tend to differ somewhat from middle-aged
adults in the presentation of these criteria symptoms.