Guidelines on Depression in Older People: Practicing the Evidence

Description

Depression is the most prevalent mental health disorder in later life, affecting 1 in 10 older people. It can have devastating effects on quality of life and is associated with an increased mortality, poorer recovery from physical illness, longer hospital stays and greater health care costs. Yet of all mental disorders, depression is the most readily treatable. This book provides practical clinical guidance and communicates in a concise, easy-to-read format the mass of information now available in this area. Written from an evidence-based perspective, it presents authoritative guidelines on the best practice and management of depression in older people with regard to the presentation, causation, drug and non-drug management of depression and the aftercare involved in order to keep the patient well. Supported with clinical data and additional practical material, ranging from scales and algorithms to summaries of major papers and WPA teaching modules, this is a valuable resource not only for psychiatrists but also neurologists, geriatricians and primary care practitioners. Content: 1. Signs and symptoms of depression in later life -- 2. Disease burden -- 3. Types of depressive disorder in later life -- 4. Prevalence of depressive disorder in later life -- 5. The aetiology of late life depression -- 6. Comorbidity and depressive disorder -- 7. Screening and assessment -- 8. Management -- 9. Course and outcome -- 10. Prevention -- 11. Executive summary.