[Specificity of depression treatment in elderly population]

Aging of population is one of the most important reasons for the increased incidence of depression observed in recent years. In 1994, 11% of Polish population aged 65 years or more. A similar tendency has been observed in other countries. These data prove the importance of depression in elderly people and its significance as a clinical as well as social problem. Depression in the elderly, in comparison to younger people, characterizes with a more variable and, usually, a more complex etiology. It is difficult to estimate the influence of aging, with all accompanying physical consequences, on the development of depression. Changes connected with aging are considered factors contributing to development of this disease and not its direct reason. According to Puzynski (1979), there are two major clinical patterns of depression in the elderly: depression with delusions and motional anxiety and depressive-astenic syndrome. The diagnosis of depression in the elderly is not easy. Classical symptoms of depression are becoming less clear and distinctive with aging. When treating depressive elderly people, it is important to remember about psychosocial influence, social therapy and psychotherapy directed to improve patient's self-esteem and create a positive image of future and surrounding world.