Hutchinson Amanda D, Saredakis Dimitrios, Whelan Rochelle, Keage Hannah A
Sr Care Pharm. 2020 Dec 1;35(12):543-548. doi: 10.4140/TCP.n.2020.543.
Depression in late life is associated with poorer quality of life and higher mortality. Pain, chronic illness, loneliness, loss of physical abilities, grief, cognitive impairment, and socioeconomic disadvantage all increase the risk of depression in this age group. Treatment for depression in late life includes antidepressant medications, cognitive behavior therapy, interpersonal therapy, and electroconvulsive therapy. The use of virtual reality is also proposed as a potential new treatment for depression that could be made available in aged care settings, and early evidence holds promise. Differentiating between depression, dementia, and delirium plays an important role in diagnosis and treatment, and often relies on a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. The prevention and treatment of depression in late life requires collaboration and cooperation between families, carers, health professionals, and aged care providers.
晚年抑郁症与生活质量较差和死亡率较高相关。疼痛、慢性病、孤独感、身体能力丧失、悲伤、认知障碍和社会经济劣势都会增加该年龄组患抑郁症的风险。晚年抑郁症的治疗方法包括抗抑郁药物、认知行为疗法、人际疗法和电休克疗法。虚拟现实的应用也被提议作为一种可能在老年护理环境中使用的抑郁症新治疗方法，早期证据显示有前景。区分抑郁症、痴呆症和谵妄在诊断和治疗中起着重要作用，且通常依赖于全面的神经心理学评估。晚年抑郁症的预防和治疗需要家庭、护理人员、健康专业人员和老年护理提供者之间的协作与合作。
