title: Depression in late life.
abstract: The depressed elderly have the highest suicide risk of any group in our society. Thus, depression in late life is a serious mental health problem. The essential goal of the diagnostic work-up is to distinguish a major depressive episode from less severe dysphoric symptoms. The major treatment modalities are properly selected pharmacologic agents, electroconvulsive therapy, psychotherapy and counseling, increased physical and social activity, and attention to underlying medical problems.
mesh_terms: D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000175:diagnosis; D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003376:Counseling; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis; D003863:Depression / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D010808:Physical Examination; D011613:Psychotherapy
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents