title: Recognition and treatment of depression in the elderly.
abstract: The author reviews clinical issues related to recognition of depression in elderly patients and provides a practical, systematic approach to diagnostic and treatment decision making. Factors complicating accurate diagnosis of geriatric depression include the presence of medical illness, dementia syndromes, cohort effects, ageism, and heterogeneity of patient populations. Age-related pharmacokinetic changes and polypharmacy need to be considered because they will increase an elderly person's sensitivity to medications. A variety of antidepressant drugs has been found to be safe and effective in elderly depressed patients, but some modification in their use is suggested. A systematic approach is provided to assist the clinician when confronted with this often complex and challenging patient population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, School of Medicine, Los Angeles.
authors.forename: G W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Small
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003663:Decision Trees; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D005473:Fluoxetine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011613:Psychotherapy
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors; D005473:Fluoxetine; D008094:Lithium