Treating depression in later life

Depression is common and, as at other times, can be devastating in later life.

Depression is the leading cause of disability (WHO, 2008) and the cost of treating depression is greater than that of treating hypertension and diabetes combined (Department of Health, 1996). 

It requires optimal management, which is challenging because of its different aetiological factors, comorbidities and because of the interplay with cognitive impairment and dementia.

This module will concentrate on the treatment of depression in later life. It will cover:

• the nature and frequency of late-life depression  

• diagnostic issues in later life

• psychological issues, including loss and change in roles

• how the presentation of depression changes in later life

• how to improve recognition and detection of late-life depression

• the crucial interplay of depressive disorder in later life with physical comorbidity and cognitive impairment

• how to improve outcomes.

Start the module