[Biological treatment of depression in the elderly].

Depression has a high prevalence and a poor outcome in the aged. However, it is often under diagnosed and under treated although treatment with antidepressants at optimal dose and duration can be effective on full remission. Numerous antidepressants are effective but most of them produce side effects. The choice of antidepressants must take into account the effect of age on side-effects and pharmacokinetics. IRSS or moclobemide are recommended as first-choice antidepressants because of a presumed side effect better profile. A dimensional approach based on neurobiological hypothesis of depression, specific clinical features of late life depression (e.g. psychomotor retardation) and biological target of the antidepressants should promote treatment efficacy.