Abstract

An increasing frequency of depressive symptoms with age is found, according to severity 10-20% of the population are affected. Depression frequently occurs with physical disease, sleep disturbances, pain and other mental disorders. The prognosis of comorbid conditions becomes worse with comorbidity. The recognition and treatment of depression is relevant for up to 90% of suicides in the elderly. The differential diagnosis and therapy is more complex and needs more patience on both sides, the therapist and the patient. All treatment methods are as efficacious as in younger adults, with ECT being even superior. There is a high rate of underdiagnoses and undertreatment. This applies strongly for the provision of psychotherapy. More interventions into prevention would be beneficial, also from the perspective of health economy. Multiple stigmas are obstacles: age, mental disorders, mostly female patients.