J Korean Med Assoc.  2003 Sep;46(9):808-814. 10.5124/jkma.2003.46.9.808.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Elderly Depression

• Oh BH

• KMID: 2183121
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2003.46.9.808

Abstract

The diagnosis and treatment of elderly depression has gained growing importance because of its major impact on the patients s wellbeing, personal, social, and familial achievements. Depressive disorders are characterized by moodaffect, thought-cognition, psychomotor activity and somatic manifestations. Especially geriatric depression is more represented by thought-cognition and somatic manifestations. And it is also associated with comorbid mental or physical conditions that may lead to a decrease in life expectancy. Diagnosis of geriatric depression consists of history taking, laboratory, neurocognitive test, brain imaging technique and genetic study. As for its treatment, physical treatment such as pharmacological treatments, electroconvulsive therapy, and phototherapy have been emphasized but should also include psychosocial intervention such as supportive, family and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy.

Keyword

Elderly depression; Diagnosis; Treatment

MeSH Terms

Aged*
Depression*
Depressive Disorder
Diagnosis*
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Humans
Life Expectancy
Neuroimaging
Phototherapy
Psychotherapy

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