Depression and aging too often do mix.
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.
Birrer
R B
RB
Catholic Medical Center, Jamaica, New York, USA. rbirrer@cmcny.com
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
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors