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Abstract: 

The elderly are particularly vulnerable to various illnesses—both physical and psychological. Depression ranks high among the latter ailments. Late-life depression affects about 6 million people nationwide age 65 and older. Because depression in elderly people often coexists with physical illnesses or disabilities, it is often difficult to distinguish clinical depression from side effects of medication(s), weariness, and decreases in functioning that are normal accompaniments to aging. This article deals with the elements affecting the treatment of the elderly taking various antidepressants.

Keywords: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; SSRIs; risk factors; duration of depression in the elderly; side effects of antidepressants; warning labels; monitoring patient behavior

Affiliations:  .