Weill Medical College of Cornell University

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Information for Patients and Families

What is Late-Life Depression?

Depression is a serious medical illness that causes suffering, worsens medical health, promotes disability, and burdens the families of many older persons. Although effective treatments exist, late-life depression is often undiagnosed and undertreated.

Where Can I Be Treated?

Care for depression can be provided by psychiatrists, internists and mental health clinics. The group practice of the Weill Cornell Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry offers evaluation and treatment for older adults who are suffering from depression.

The Institute offers treatment opportunities for eligible individuals who participate in its studies. Persons participating in our studies receive free transportation, free magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and free treatment with medication or psychotherapy. Please call (914) 997-4331 or (800) NYP-1902 or email pjt2003@med.cornell.edu.

Free Screening for Depression

For more information and a telephone screening for depression please call 914-997-4331 or 800-NYP-1902 or email pjt2003@med.cornell.edu.

What are the Symptoms of Depression?

• Sad or Depressed Mood
• Loss of Pleasure
• Change in Appetite
• Change in Sleep
• Difficulty Concentrating
• Fatigue
• Restlessness or Decreased Activity
• Thoughts of Death or Suicide
• Feeling Guilty, Hopeless or Worthless

What Depression is NOT?

• Depression is NOT an expected consequence of aging
• Depression is NOT a character flaw.
• Depression is NOT a normal reaction to physical illness or loss.
• Even when depression is precipitated by an illness or a loss it still can be treated effectively.

Depression and Medical Health

• Depression worsens medical illnesses and increases mortality.
• Physical illnesses such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, heart disease, and pulmonary disease often predispose to depression.
• Depression magnifies the disability caused by medical illness.

Most Cases of Depression Respond to Treatment

Treatments for depression are based on a significant body of research and are effective and safe. Depression like other chronic conditions, (e.g. diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis), requires long-term treatment. The goal of antidepressant treatments is not only to get patients well, but also to keep them well. Older persons with a history of recurrent depression need to be treated for many months or years in order to remain well.

Medication: The currently available antidepressants are effective and safe. Antidepressants can be prescribed by psychiatrists or other medical doctors. It often takes antidepressants 6-12 weeks to have their full effect.

Psychotherapy: Research has shown that mild to moderate depression can be treated successfully with psychotherapy alone. Severe depression is more likely to respond to a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy can be offered by psychiatrists, psychologists, and other trained mental health professionals.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): ECT is now delivered through highly advanced instruments and is effective in severe depression.