Depression in Later Life

From The Critics

Reviewer: Stephanie R. Exum, MD(Rush University Medical Center)
Description: This book, part of a series about medical psychiatry, offers a very comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating depression in geriatric patients.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide a complete guide for physicians who treat elderly patients who may experience depression. It is the authors' intention that upon completing this book, one will be able to correctly recognize, diagnose, and treat depression. The authors' objective to provide the needed information on this subject is accomplished.
Audience: This book was written for physicians who care for elderly patients in their practice. It is very detailed, thus it is probably most helpful to those who have an interest in treating elderly people or who want to become competent in recognizing and treating depression in this population. The authors and contributors have been well trained in their fields.
Features: The information is presented in a very logical fashion. The book begins with epidemiology and moves through to treatment outcomes. The authors review different depressive disorders as well as possible medical causes for the depression in the elderly. The chapters contain a wealth of information and an abundance of both timely and dated references.
Assessment: Depressive disorders in the elderly are often underdiagnosed and undertreated, leading to increased morbidity and mortality (including suicide). This book includes practical information and data about depression in the elderly. It serves as a valuable source of information for clinicians who work with this population.

3 Stars from Doody