In the absence of a formal introduction, browsers of this book must rely on its focused title and brief description on the reverse cover to determine that its intended readership is all professionals working with older patients. In the first section old age psychiatrists provide evidence-based overviews and practical guidelines on the prevalence, diagnosis, prognosis, pharmacotherapy and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) of depression. Thereafter, the roles of primary care professionals, geriatricians, psychologists, nurses and occupational therapists in the management of depression are explored.

Individual chapters start with a table of topic headings, some of which are in the form of clinical questions (e.g. ‘What if there is no response to the first-choice antidepressant?’) and end with a summary of key practice points. Patients are used to demonstrate management issues, for example relapsing depression ultimately requiring maintenance ECT. Psychological, occupational and social therapies are given due importance, and individual professionals assert their unique contribution to assessment and management. The convergence of these various assessment methods is acknowledged, but there is limited exploration of the integration of different professional roles within psychiatric teams or with other health providers involved with the patients. Nevertheless, useful guidelines are suggested for those working in primary care and geriatric medicine regarding when to refer on to psychiatric services.

This book will appeal to all professionals with an interest in depression in older people. Old age psychiatrists will value it, not only to steer their own patient management along evidence-based practice guidelines, but also as an indication of the potential of other professionals within the team and as a teaching aid.