Depression in the elderly. Tailoring medical therapy to their special needs.
Depression is often overlooked as a clinical diagnosis in older patients because it is assumed to be a normal response to aging, physical losses, or other life events. However, medical intervention for depression is appropriate in this population, especially those patients with severe chronic disease. In this article, Dr Raj discusses the prevalence of depression in the elderly, the role of cognitive impairment, the risk factors for first onset in old age, typical presentations in this age-group, and the response to treatment.
Raj
Ashok
A
Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA. araj@hsc.usf.edu
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors
D000928:Antidepressive Agents