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Treating depression in old age: is it worth the effort?
Psychiatric Journal of the University of Ottawa : Revue De Psychiatrie De L'Universite D'Ottawa
|June 1, 1989
Summary
Treating depression in older adults is effective, despite medical complexities. Careful management minimizes risks, improving quality of life and remission rates for elderly patients with major depressive episodes.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Aging involves physical changes and medical issues complicating depression treatment in the elderly.
- Physicians may hesitate to treat due to concerns about risks in patients with multiple health problems and medications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the efficacy of depression treatment in older adults.
- To emphasize strategies for minimizing treatment risks in elderly patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of treatment considerations for geriatric depression.
- Emphasis on careful patient evaluation and medication selection.
- Focus on low-dose initiation and close side effect monitoring.
Main Results:
- Treatment response is generally good for elderly individuals with major depressive episodes.
- Spontaneous remission is less common in this population.
- Untreated depression poses greater risks than carefully managed treatment.
Conclusions:
- Depression treatment in the elderly, when managed properly, leads to improved quality of life and symptom remission.
- Minimizing risks involves thorough assessment, appropriate medication choice, and vigilant monitoring.
- Ongoing research is needed for faster, safer treatments for geriatric depression.