The diagnosis and treatment of late-life depression

Anthony J. Rothschild, University of Massachusetts Medical School

Abstract

Depression in the elderly occurs commonly and is a major public health problem. Unfortunately, despite the availability of safe and effective treatments, late-life depression is often underdiagnosed because the symptoms are unrecognized by the patient and the health care provider. Late-life depression is described in this review, with a focus on symptoms, prevalence, diagnosis, and available treatment modalities.