Diagnosis and treatment of depression in late life - An overview of the NIH Consensus Statement

Depression among elderly persons is widespread and is often undiagnosed 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; electroconvulsive treatment has been found to be effective; and psychosocial approaches are also useful. The current system of care is fragmented and inadequate, and staff at residential and other facilities are often ill-equipped to recognize and manage depression.