Depressive disorders and other emotional issues in the elderly: current issues

Much progress has been made in understanding the nature, causes and treatment of late-life depressive disorders. Early diagnosis and treatment of depression in the elderly remains challenging to the clinician, but ultimately provides opportunities to reduce suffering and increase quality of life, to prevent suicide, to restore optimal levels of function and independence and to decrease the societal costs of healthcare. Late-life depression must not be considered a natural part of the aging process. Despite the challenges and complications of diagnosing late-life depression, it is possible both to recognize the symptoms and initiate treatment. Anti-depressants have proved both safe and effective, and are beneficial in combination with psychotherapy. Additional elderly-specific studies are at present under way to determine more fully the nature of late-life depression, and to inform diagnostic and treatment strategies.