How to manage depression and psychosis in Alzheimer's disease.
Depression and psychosis each occur in about 30 to 50% of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Depressive syndromes range from grieving and mild depressive symptoms to major depression. Depression can also mimic the signs and symptoms of AD, a condition known as dementia syndrome of depression. Psychotic syndromes include paranoid delusions, misidentification syndrome, and hallucinations. The diagnosis of both depression and psychosis is based on a careful history and a mental status examination. Treatment includes psychosocial intervention and, when symptoms are severe, drug therapy. The newer antidepressants are recommended for depressive syndromes, whereas psychosis is treated with high-potency neuroleptics.
Tueth
M J
MJ
University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville.
D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D012944:Social Support
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents