[Psychotic depression in older adults: an overview].

Psychotic depression is a frequent, severe psychiatric condition in older depressive inpatients aged 60 years and older. Older adults with a psychotic depression exhibit specific symptoms that are different from those in younger adults with psychotic depression. Moreover, the symptoms are also different from those in older adults  with a major depression without psychotic features. The recommended treatment consists of a tricyclic antidepressant, with or without addition of an antipsychotic, or electroconvulsive therapy. These treatments may however produce significant side effects that require intensive monitoring. In this article we present an overview of clinical topics regarding the diagnosis and treatment of older people with a psychotic depression.