Citation

Zal HM. Consultant 1999; 39(5): 1565-1579.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Depression is not a mandatory consequence of growing older. However, it is common in elderly persons, particularly among those with medical co- morbidity. Major depression often goes undiagnosed and untreated. It is a significant public health problem, particularly because of its high mortality rate resulting from suicide. Once the special needs of the geriatric patient are evaluated, multiple treatment options are available to improve their mood, functioning, quality of life, and compliance with medical treatment. These modalities include pharmacotherapy, herbal medicine, psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, and hormonal therapy. Pharmacotherapy now offers several choices with increased safety and improved side-effect profiles. Psychotherapeutic techniques have much to offer depressed patients and their families.

Language: en

Keywords

aged; alcohol; amfebutamone; amitriptyline; amoxapine; antidepressant agent; antihypertensive agent; antineoplastic agent; antiparkinson agent; beta adrenergic receptor blocking agent; central stimulant agent; cimetidine; citalopram; corticosteroid; cycloserine; depression; desipramine; doxepin; drug induced disease; drug safety; electroconvulsive therapy; fluoxetine; fluvoxamine; geriatric care; geriatric patient; high risk population; hormone; human; insomnia; medicinal plant; monoamine oxidase inhibitor; nausea; nefazodone; priority journal; psychotherapy; psychotropic agent; review; sedative agent; serotonin uptake inhibitor; sexual dysfunction; suicide; trazodone; treatment planning; tricyclic antidepressant agent; unindexed drug; venlafaxine