Which of the following is a symptom of depression in older adults as listed in the material?

• A. Loss of Energy
• B. Sleep Disturbance
• C. Appetite Change
• D. Suicidal Thoughts/Plan

Answer: (A)

In older adults, depression often shows up more as reduced energy and fatigue than as overt sadness. This loss of energy reflects anergia and can manifest as difficulty initiating or persisting with activities, reduced participation in daily life, and slower thinking or moving (psychomotor retardation). Because fatigue directly affects function, it’s a particularly important clue to depressive illness in the elderly, even when mood symptoms aren’t as obvious.

While sleep disturbance, appetite change, and even suicidal thoughts can accompany depression, the material you’re studying highlights diminished energy as a key presenting symptom in older adults. Recognizing this pattern helps clinicians screen and intervene early, addressing both mood and functional impact.