late-onset depression
Major depressive disorder first occurring in individuals aged 60 or older, often with distinct clinical features.
Full Definition
Late-onset depression refers to major depressive disorder that first manifests in individuals aged 60 years or older, distinguishing it from early-onset depression that continues into later life. This condition often presents with unique characteristics including greater cognitive impairment, more prominent psychomotor changes, higher rates of psychotic features, and increased association with vascular risk factors and brain changes. Late-onset depression may be more likely to represent underlying neurological conditions or be secondary to medical illnesses or medications. The relationship between late-onset depression and subsequent dementia development is an active area of research, with some cases representing prodromal stages of neurodegenerative diseases.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as a compound adjective. Distinguish from 'late-life depression,' which includes both early and late-onset depression in elderly patients.
In Context
- "The patient's late-onset depression prompted comprehensive medical workup for underlying causes." — Initial psychiatric evaluation
- "Neuroimaging was recommended to investigate vascular contributions to late-onset depression." — Treatment planning conference