PRINCIPAIS SINTOMAS DA DEPRESSÃO EM IDOSOS ASSISTIDOS NA ATENÇÃO PRIMÁRIA

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.789112630012

• Palavras-chave: Atenção Primária. Depressão. Idosos.

• Keywords: Primary Care. Depression. Elderly.

• Abstract: Depression constitutes a significant public health issue, particularly among older adults, representing the most prevalent mental disorder in this age group. The scope of this study aims to investigate the primary symptoms of depression in older adults attended in Primary Health Care. This is an integrative review, guided by the research question: "What are the main symptoms of depression in older adults assisted in Primary Health Care?". The PRISMA flowchart was adopted, using descriptors indexed in DeCS/MeSH, for searches in the PubMed and BIREME databases, comprising LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature) and SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online). Original studies published in the last five years, in English or Portuguese, with free and full-text access, were included. Guidelines, manuals, congress abstracts, systematic reviews, and preprints were excluded. The findings reveal a high prevalence of depression among older adults attending Primary Health Care, strongly associated with lack of social support, negative health perception, physical frailty, and precarious socioeconomic conditions. Multidimensional interventions, including interpersonal support and welcoming practices, demonstrate significant reduction in depressive symptoms. It is concluded that a holistic approach to geriatric mental health is necessary, transcending medicalization and incorporating active listening and humanized care. Strategies that foster social support networks and comprehensive care enhance quality of life and well-being in this population.