Assessment of depression and anxiety in older adults

Abstract

Late-life depression and anxiety may contribute to detrimental consequences for patients and their families. They impair functioning, negatively affect quality of life, disrupt interpersonal relationships and increase utilization of medical services. Further, late-life depression is associated with increased morbidity, mortality and is the most common psychiatric diagnosis in attempted or completed suicides. This chapter explores diagnostic considerations and provides clinical pearls for the accurate assessment of the most common depression and anxiety disorders in older adults.