['Vascular depression': a valid diagnosis?]

Abstract

The diagnosis 'vascular depression' was reintroduced to old-age psychiatry about 10 years ago. The introduction of advanced imaging techniques has made it possible to link mood symptoms to vascular brain damage. In patients suffering from depression in which cerebrovascular damage plays an important role, different forms of diagnostics and treatment may be necessary. The symptom profiles of various depressive disorders do not differ widely, which makes it difficult to diagnose 'vascular depression' in daily practice. Thus, it does not meet the criteria of a distinct disease entity. However, the prognosis of patients with vascular depression is different and these patients respond less well to the usual therapy. Therefore, it is important to develop new treatment strategies for this patient group. The method of staging and profiling of depression in the elderly can be useful in this.