Depression in older people is common, distressing for patients, and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. It is often unrecognized and usually under-treated. Contrary to much professional and public opinion, depression is treatable with both drug and psychological approaches, which lead to significantly improved health and social outcomes for individuals. The book begins with a review of the epidemiology of depression in older people and then a more in-depth analysis of a number of approaches to management, such as self-care, stepped care and collaborative care.

Our experience in managing depression in older people was heightened by our involvement in a trial which evaluated a collaborative care approach to the management of depression in older people in primary care. Arising from that experience, and our clinical exposure, we have focussed the book on a discussion of a number of clinical cases, based on real cases we have encountered, by practising health and social care professionals around the world. Despite a current vogue for emphasizing individual differences, we were impressed at how the presentation and often the management of older people with depression is common across cultures – or at least, the similarities outweigh the differences. However, the latter are sufficient to build up a fascinating picture from an international perspective.

We hope we have succeeded in making the book appealing to a broad range of readers who work with older people, and that the case commentaries, in particular, will appeal to students of the health and social care professions, as well as primary and secondary care professionals and providers in the voluntary sector.