Skip to main content
Journal cover image

Depressive disorders in older medical inpatients.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Koenig, HG
Published in: Am Fam Physician
October 1991

Symptoms of depression that are temporary or caused by physical illness can be difficult to differentiate from those that represent a depressive disorder. A diagnosis of depressive disorder depends on the underlying cause, and on the nature, severity and duration of symptoms. Management involves accurate diagnosis and treatment of medical illness, practical interventions to resolve concurrent family, social and economic stressors, and emotional support. Cognitive, behavioral and brief psychodynamic therapies may be helpful in selected cases. Antidepressants and electroconvulsive therapy have a role in the treatment of severe or persistent depression associated with suicidal behavior, marked psychomotor retardation, starvation or other life-threatening symptoms. Suicidal thoughts are frequent in older patients with concurrent major depression and chronic illness, and measures to ensure patient safety are a priority.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Am Fam Physician

ISSN

0002-838X

Publication Date

October 1991

Volume

44

Issue

4

Start / End Page

1243 / 1250

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Social Support
  • Prognosis
  • Humans
  • Hospitalization
  • General & Internal Medicine
  • Electroshock
  • Depressive Disorder
  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Aged
  • 4203 Health services and systems
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
NLM
Koenig, H. G. (1991). Depressive disorders in older medical inpatients. Am Fam Physician, 44(4), 1243–1250.
Koenig, H. G. “Depressive disorders in older medical inpatients.Am Fam Physician 44, no. 4 (October 1991): 1243–50.
Koenig HG. Depressive disorders in older medical inpatients. Am Fam Physician. 1991 Oct;44(4):1243–50.
Koenig, H. G. “Depressive disorders in older medical inpatients.Am Fam Physician, vol. 44, no. 4, Oct. 1991, pp. 1243–50.
Koenig HG. Depressive disorders in older medical inpatients. Am Fam Physician. 1991 Oct;44(4):1243–1250.
Journal cover image

Published In

Am Fam Physician

ISSN

0002-838X

Publication Date

October 1991

Volume

44

Issue

4

Start / End Page

1243 / 1250

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Social Support
  • Prognosis
  • Humans
  • Hospitalization
  • General & Internal Medicine
  • Electroshock
  • Depressive Disorder
  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Aged
  • 4203 Health services and systems