Depression of old age.
Depression is a common and serious psychiatric problem in the elderly causing suffering to the patients and their carers. Its aetiology include biological causes, psychosocial events, physical illnesses and medication. Clinically, the symptoms are similar to those found in younger patients, but certain symptoms eg somatisation and agitation are more common. Depression in the elderly are often misdiagnosed as physical illnesses and dementia and vice versa as they occur commonly in the elderly and share some similar symptoms. In treatment, the elderly patient's altered pharmacokinetics must be taken into consideration. Some side-effects of antidepressants are not only troublesome but also potentially dangerous in the elderly. Electroconvulsive therapy can be life-saving in those who are severely retarded and refuse food. Depression in old age tends to run a chronic course. Relapse rates are high in those who recover.
Chiam
P C
PC
Institute of Mental Health/Woodbridge Hospital, Singapore.
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans