Aust Fam Physician
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Depression in the elderly may have many presentations. Skill is required in differentiating clinical depressive conditions from mild reactive states and senile dysphoria. Screening tests are available that may assist the doctor in the diagnosis of depression. ⋯ Depression in older persons is very common, may be difficult to diagnose, is treatable and has a prognosis similar to that of middle aged or younger patients. Doctors should think depression in older patients and bear in mind possible atypical presentations. When the correct diagnosis, usually possible by taking a careful history, is followed by correct treatment, the outcome can be very rewarding for patient and doctor.