Geriatric depression in contemporary India: An overview

Abstract

Introduction: The Indian elderly population is currently the second largest in the world. Depression is quite common among elderly living in the community in India. Depression in elderly is not yet perceived as a public health problem and is grossly underdiagnosed and undertreated.Methodology: Survey of secondary literature is the prime methodology for preparing this research article.Research Findings: There is a significant gap in research evaluating various aspects of depression in elderly in India. There is a need for multicentric, longitudinal studies evaluating various aspects of depression in India’s geriatric population.Conclusion: Majority of depressive disorders remains undiagnosed and untreated because of a wrong belief that it is a part of ageing and a social stigma. There is a need to sensitize the primary care physicians and specialists from different specialties to identify and manage depression in India’s geriatric population.