Turkish Journal of
GERIATRICS

Gazi Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Psikiyatri Anabilim Dalı ANKARA The people who are over 65, are defined 'old'. Prevalence of depression which has clinical importance, is 15-20 percent, and prevalence of severe depression is about 3 percent. The depression rate at hospitalised patients may increase up to 30 percent. Chronic medical illnesses which are very often at the elderly, are one of the most important causes of depression. Elderly depression differ from depression at young and middle aged. Cognitive disorders and somatic complaints are very often at the elderly group. When choosing a therapeutic agent, the ones which are easily used and have low anticholinergic, sedative and hypotensive effects, should be used. Keywords : Elderly, Depression, Therapy