title: Depression and aging too often do mix.
abstract: Depression in elderly persons is prevalent, often undiagnosed, and usually untreated. Because there is no reliable diagnostic test, careful clinical evaluation is essential. With aggressive antidepressant treatment, the overall long-term outcome in elderly patients is optimistic. In this article, Dr Birrer discusses the scope of the problem, important diagnostic considerations, and the current recommended treatments in this population.
authors.affiliation: Catholic Medical Center, Jamaica, New York, USA. rbirrer@cmcny.com
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Birrer
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors