ABSTRACT
D espite high prevalence rates, depression in the elderly is often not recognized or diagnosed properly and the elderly appear to be overlooked by psychiatry in this respect (Beekm an et al., 1997a; Gurland & Cross, 1982; K oenig e ta l , 1995; Ruegg era/.., 1988). In the general population, approximately 10-15% o f the elderly suffer from depressive com plaints warranting intervention (Beekm an et a l., 1997b; Cappeliez, 1988; Gurland & C ross, 1982; van
Marwijk, 1995; O ’Hara et al., 1985; Ruegg et al., 1988). W hen using the stricter diagnostic criteria o f a depressive disorder (e.g. D S M criteria), studies show prevalence rates o f 0 .8 -8% (B eekm an et al., 1997b; Blazer et al., 1987; Cappeliez, 1988; Gurland & Cross, 1982; L ivingston & HinchlifFe, 1993; van Marwijk,
1995; O ’Hara et al., 1985; R uegg et al., 1988). Certain specific groups show even higher prevalence rates: about 30-40% o f elderly psychiatric inpatients have a major m ood disorder (Ruegg et al., 1988).
