RECOGNITION AND MANAGEMENT OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN ELDERLY PATIENTS

Objective: To describe important aspects of the recognition and manage ment of anxiety and depression in elderly patients. Design: We reviewe d pertinent recent articles in the medical literature and compiled gui delines for diagnosing and treating anxiety and depression in the geri atric population. Results: Depression and anxiety are common in the el derly population, The development of depression in elderly subjects is associated with a higher risk of death from suicide than for any othe r age-group, Recognition of depression in elderly patients is often ha mpered by an inability or reluctance on the part of these patients to report depressive symptoms, In addition, anxiety and depression are of ten attributed to organic illness in this age-group, Pharmacotherapy i s effective; however, older patients are probably more likely than you ng patients to experience adverse effects, Using medications at lower doses, choosing drugs with shorter half-lives, and avoiding drugs with potent anticholinergic side effects are often advisable. Conclusion: Anxiety and depression are common conditions among the elderly populat ion, Correct recognition, attention to underlying precipitating factor s, and compassionate, supportive care can vastly improve the quality o f the lives of these patients.