Wasylenki D
Can Med Assoc J. 1980 Mar 8;122(5):525-32, 540.
Depression in the elderly is very common and may be difficult to diagnose. Because of its varied presentation and its frequent association with physical illness it will be encountered increasingly by all physicians as the elderly population expands. Depression, though treatable, is often not treated, and suicide rates are high among depressed elderly persons. Diagnostic difficulties lie in distinguishing depression from organic brain syndromes, from so-called masked depressions and from normal grief reactions. Pharmacologic treatment is effective, but care must be taken to recognize side effects and to use adequate doses. Psychologic approaches should focus on reducing feelings of helplessness and failing self-esteem. The importance of the losses borne by elderly persons in the pathogenesis of depression continues to be of theoretical and practical interest.
老年人抑郁症非常常见，可能难以诊断。由于其表现形式多样且常与躯体疾病相关，随着老年人口的增加，所有医生都会越来越多地遇到这种情况。抑郁症虽然可以治疗，但往往得不到治疗，而且抑郁的老年人自杀率很高。诊断困难在于将抑郁症与器质性脑综合征、所谓的隐匿性抑郁症以及正常的悲伤反应区分开来。药物治疗是有效的，但必须注意识别副作用并使用足够的剂量。心理治疗方法应侧重于减少无助感和受损的自尊。老年人所遭受的损失在抑郁症发病机制中的重要性仍然具有理论和实际意义。
