Geriatric depression and hypochondriasis: Incidence, interaction, assessment and treatment.

Reviews the incidence and interaction of depression and hypochondriasis in late life. It is argued that when psychometric instruments are used to assess these disorders, it is imperative to use tests that have been developed for and standardized with the aged. Psychotherapy for depression must preserve the therapist's authority role and focus on problem solving in the present and active mastery of the environment rather than attempt to develop insight. The treatment of hypochondriasis must focus on treating the underlying depression, not on removing the hypochondriacal defense. The therapist of choice for hypochondriacal patients is a primary-care physician. (45 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)