Depression Treatment for Older Adults

When older adults consult for depression, there is always a chance that professionals will overlook the signs and symptoms based on the faulty assumption that such symptoms are part and parcel of growing old. This is an unfortunate situation because depression is a treatable disorder. Furthermore, delayed treatment extends unnecessary suffering. In this course, Dr. Carlos P. Zalaquett (Pennsylvania State University) aims to increase awareness, knowledge, and skills for working with older adults affected by depression. Epidemiology, characteristics, assessment instruments, treatment, and action strategies to increase treatment effectiveness are discussed.