[Depression in the elderly]

Depression in the elderly is characterized by agitated depression, chronic course, high risk of suicide, and masked depression-like states in which somatic symptoms are predominant. In the treatment of the elderly with depression, nontricyclic antidepressants are beneficial because of their few side effects. In addition to pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy is indispensable. Psychotherapy should be given frequently even though the time of each interview may be limited. The therapeutic efforts should be directed to coordinate the relationships among family members and advise the patients to take some role in their society, because distorted relationships among family members and the loss of roles are closely related to the development of depression.