DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION IN LATE-LIFE - AN OVERVIEW OF THE NIH CONSENSUS STATEMENT

Depression among elderly persons is widespread and is often undiagnose d and untreated. In the absence of a reliable clinical diagnostic test , an attentive clinical evaluation is essential. Depressive illness in late life should be treated vigorously with antidepressants; electroc onvulsive treatment has been found to be effective; and psychosocial a pproaches are also useful. The current system of care is fragmented an d inadequate, and staff at residential and other facilities are often ill-equipped to recognize and manage depression.