Mental Health Technician Certification (AMCA) Practice Test

Which is the most common and often underdiagnosed mental health disorder in late adulthood?

1. Anxiety

2. Depression

3. Dementia

4. Schizophrenia

The correct answer is: Depression

Depression is often the most common and underdiagnosed mental health disorder in late adulthood due to several factors. In older adults, the symptoms of depression can frequently manifest differently than in younger individuals; symptoms may include fatigue, sleep disturbances, or apathy, which can be attributed to the aging process or physical health issues rather than recognized as depressive disorder. Furthermore, the stigma surrounding mental health can lead older adults to underreport their feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed. This underdiagnosis is critical because untreated depression can further complicate health issues and diminish the quality of life for older adults. Unlike dementia, which is specifically characterized by cognitive decline and is often more visibly recognized, or anxiety disorders and schizophrenia, which have distinct symptomatology that may be more easily identified, depression's subtle presentation can result in it being overlooked in older populations. This highlights the importance of thorough mental health assessments in geriatric care to ensure that depression is recognized and treated appropriately.