Diagnosis and treatment of depression in late life: consensus statement update
Article Abstract:
It is important to treat depression in the elderly because it is a risk factor for suicide and it can increase disability when it co-exists with a physical illness. Many elderly people have symptoms of depressive disorder but do not meet the criteria for depression, a condition often called subclinical depression. Serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) such as fluoxetine are as effective as tricyclic antidepressants without the severe side effects. Psychotherapy is also very effective in elderly depressed patients. Primary care physicians should be alert for signs of depression in their elderly patients.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1997
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Effectiveness of a Nurse-Based Outreach Program for Identifying and Treating Psychiatric Illness in the Elderly
Article Abstract:
The Psychogeriatric Assessment and Treatment in City Housing (PATCH) program may be useful in identifying elderly people in public housing who have a mental disorder and need treatment. PATCH trains building managers to assess all aged residents for signs of a mental disorder and refer the resident to a psychiatric nurse. In a study of six public housing sites in Baltimore, residents at three sites with a PATCH program had fewer psychiatric symptoms two years later than those at sites without a PATCH program.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2000
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The Public Health Model for Mental Health Care for the Elderly
Article Abstract:
The Psychogeriatric Assessment and Treatment in City Housing (PATCH) program is an example of the public health approach to mental health and mental illness. PATCH trains the managers and staff of public housing sites to assess all residents for possible mental problems and refer such residents to a psychiatric nurse. This illustrates a concern for the health of an entire population and could be reproduced in many different settings.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2000
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