Late-life depression: What can be done?

Abstract

Depression is commonly unrecognised in the elderly. There is also the problem of defining depression in old age. Severe depression will commonly need to be managed in hospital. Major depression is usually treated in the community setting. Minor depression can be as disabling as major depression. Management of minor depression includes dealing with precipitating factors, helping the patient adapt, and judicious use of medication. If drug treatment is needed the newer antidepressants may be better tolerated by the older person than tricyclic antidepressants.