Involutional melancholia

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Involutional melancholia is a traditional term for a psychiatric disorder affecting mainly elderly or late middle-aged people, usually accompanied with paranoia. It is not currently used in major psychiatric classification systems.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of involutional melancholia include:

Causes[edit | edit source]

The exact cause of involutional melancholia is unknown. However, it is believed to be related to the changes in the brain chemistry that occur as a person ages.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The diagnosis of involutional melancholia is made based on the patient's symptoms and medical history. A physical examination and mental health assessment may also be conducted.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The treatment for involutional melancholia may include:

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for individuals with involutional melancholia varies. Some individuals may experience a complete recovery, while others may continue to experience symptoms for many years.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Involutional melancholia Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD