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Australian Prescriber Vol. 24 No. 3 2001

Late-life depression: what can be done?

Depression may be more common in older people than we think. Often older people put their problems down to their age. They may also have other health problems which make them feel bad.

The symptoms of depression include feeling down, loss of interest in normal activities, lack of energy, weight loss and poor sleep. People may be unable to lead a normal life because of these symptoms.

If depression is diagnosed, it can be treated. Treatment can improve the person's general health, quality of life and independence. Treatments range from learning to cope with feelings of loss, to a course of antidepressant medicine. Antidepressants have to be used carefully in older people as they can have unpleasant side effects.