Psychiatr. praxi. 2011;12(3):100-104

Treatment of depression in old age

prof.MUDr.Eva Češková, CSc.
CEITEC-MU, Psychiatrická klinika LF MU a FN Brno

Depressive disorder is the most common mental disorder (after memory impairment) in old people. In the development of late-life

depression hereditary factors may play minor part, biological factors and psychosocial stress being more important. Late-life depression

has partially a different clinical picture including a higher risk of suicidal behaviour. In efficacy of antidepressants no significant

differences were found between younger and older people with depression. Therefore safety and tolerability of individual antidepressants

represent the most important criterion for treatment choice in common clinical practice. Nowadays, an individualized approach

is stressed. In the future neuroimaging could play an important role in the optimal choice of treatment.

Keywords: late-life depression, suicidality, antidepressants, efficacy, tolerability, safety, individualized treatment

Published: July 20, 2011  Show citation

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Češková E. Treatment of depression in old age. Psychiatr. praxi. 2011;12(3):100-104.
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