Citation

Godderis J. Acta Psychiatr. Belg. 1987; 87(3): 288-301.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1987, Acta Psychiatrica Belgica)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Notes that, while late onset depression (LOD) often appears similar to depression in younger persons, it may present a diagnostic challenge to the clinician because of its atypical expression in the aged. LOD may be characterized by (1) inhibited expression of feelings and emotional distress (resulting in somatization); (2) psychotic symptomatology; and (3) lack of concentration, impaired memory, apathy, fatigue, and social withdrawal. Assessment of LOD with psychometric and neuropsychological techniques is discussed. It is suggested that depressive disorders are perhaps the most poorly recognized and therefore untreated psychiatric disturbances in the aged. (French & Dutch abstracts) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)

Keywords

Aged; conference presentation; Dementia; Depressive Disorder; diagnostic challenge in assessment of late onset depression; elderly patients; Humans; Major Depression; Onset (Disorders); Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Psychodiagnosis; Psychotic Disorders; Sleep, REM; Suicide