[Late-onset depression : Pathophysiology, diagnostics and treatment].

摘要: Late-onset depression (LOD) is defined as depression manifesting for the first time in later life. Up to now, there has been no exact definition of lower age limit LOD. Psychopathological symptoms LOD do not fundamentally differ from other phases life; however, cognitive deficits are typically more pronounced. The associated with an increased risk developing dementia. Imaging studies show reduction gray matter volume and white lesions caused by vascular diseases. occurrence brain also referred "vascular depression". diagnostic procedure includes a detailed medical history observation psychopathological changes, physical examination, laboratory tests, electroencephalograph (EEG), electrocardiograph (ECG) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) head neuropsychological tests measure deficits. Psychotherapy effective treatment option. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors first-line pharmacological therapy.