 Key features of depression and its management in general practice. |
| "..I'd like to return to work.." |
| Which
of the following statements are true of the ongoing management of depression in the elderly? |
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1. Antidepressants should be discontinued after six months in the elderly. |
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2. Long-term antidepressant treatment should be at a reduced dose in the elderly. |
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3. The suicide rate among persons aged 80 to 84 years is increasing. |
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4. The suicide rate among the very elderly (those aged 85 years and older) is less than the rate of the general population. |
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5. Suicide in the elderly is associated with late-onset depression. |
4. The suicide rate among the very elderly (those aged 85 years and older) is less than the rate of the general population.
Author's answer: False.
The suicide rate among elderly white "oldest old" men (those aged 85 years and older) is 6 times the rate of the general population and remains a significant public health concern.