The geriatric syndrome of late-life depression

Existing data on the treatment, course, and outcome of depression are not representative of the older depressed person who is most frequently encountered in clinical practice. If mental health services are to become more effectively applied, late-life depression should be conceptualized not as a categorical disorder but as a geriatric syndrome with multiple etiologies requiring a combination of treatments. To support this argument, the author reviews the prevalence of late-life depression across clinical and community settings and in association with somatic and central nervous system conditions. He recommends a comprehensive geriatric assessment and a tripartite treatment approach incorporating definitive, rehabilitative, and supportive interventions.