An archival study of depression before and after age 55.

In this archival study, 58 patients with unipolar depression who were 55 years of age or older were compared to 155 depressed control patients age 54 years or less. The older patients with unipolar depression had a significantly worse outcome, with only 51.7% experiencing a period of full remission during follow-up. Medical disorders were common, and older depressed patients showed a clear excess of cardiovascular disorders. Clinical symptoms did not separate the two groups, with the exception of psychomotor retardation and agitation. Electroconvulsive therapy was associated with less continuous hospitalization and an overall superior outcome.