Is depression more prevalent in old age?

To examine the prevalence of depression in old age and to review cross-age studies that reported age-related differences in prevalence.

Reports of studies that included data on the prevalence of depression in old age were reviewed, and conclusions from review articles were considered.

Findings have been inconsistent, but majority opinion holds that depression (especially 'subsyndromal') is common in old age. There may be two peaks in the prevalence rate of major depression, one in late old age and the other in middle age or earlier.

The allocation of health care resources should not be determined by survey findings concerning the prevalence of major depression and dysthymia.