The Journal of clinical psychiatryJan 1, 1996

Diagnosing and Treating Depression in Older Adults

Psychedelic Science Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗

Updated Apr 3, 2026

Abstract

Depression affects approximately 15% of the elderly population.

Symptoms of late-life depression may often go unrecognized by both patients and healthcare providers.
This condition is a significant public health issue among older adults.
Available treatments for late-life depression are considered safe and effective.
The review highlights the importance of improved diagnosis to address underrecognition of symptoms.

Simplified

Depression in the elderly occurs commonly and is a major public health problem. Unfortunately, despite the availability of safe and effective treatments, late-life depression is often underdiagnosed because the symptoms are unrecognized by the patient and the health care provider. Late-life depression is described in this review, with a focus on symptoms, prevalence, diagnosis, and available treatment modalities.

Diagnosing and Treating Depression in Older Adults

Abstract

You found one interesting study. We’ll send the next 7.

what lands in your inbox each week:

Recent issues from the psychedelic science brief

Abstract

Related papers

You found one interesting study. We’ll send the next 7.

what lands in your inbox each week:

Recent issues from the psychedelic science brief