title: Depression in the elderly. II. Possible drug etiologies; differential diagnostic criteria.
abstract: Drugs for the treatment of various medical or psychiatric disorders may sometimes cause or exacerbate depression in the elderly. Drug interactions due to polypharmacy (a common method of prescribing for aged patients) may also play a role the genesis of depression. The roles of specific drugs and of drug interactions are reviewed. Criteria for the diagnosis of depression in the elderly, as well as differential diagnostic guidelines, are presented and constructive suggestions offered.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D000978:Antiparkinson Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D003348:Cortisone / Q000009:adverse effects; D003863:Depression / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D004071:Digitalis Glycosides / Q000009:adverse effects; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000978:Antiparkinson Agents; D004071:Digitalis Glycosides; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D003348:Cortisone