[Changes in the manifestations of endogenous depression in advanced age]

The psychopathology of 301 patients aged between 45 to 65 admitted to psychiatric hospitals because of endogenous depression between the years 1920 and 1982 was investigated and compared within 4 consecutive time periods. Among other things, an increase in physical and vegetative complaints, disturbances of vital feelings, feelings of guilt towards partner and family, as well as feelings of insufficiency and attempts of suicide was observed. Within the last decade, the duration of phases was considerably longer. Conflicts during prodromal periods of depression, particularly with regard to the partner, the family and the professional occupation were exceedingly more frequently. Historical influences such as a lifestyle orientation towards success, optimal health and wealth might be significant for this development. Pharmacotherapeutic factors will be discussed, and the necessity for further transsectional and longitudinal studies based on clear diagnostic criteria and exploratory techniques will be pointed out.