Depression in the older adult: What should be considered?

The updated American Geriatrics Society (AGS) 2015 Beers Criteria include the following antidepressant classes as potentially inappropriate medications to be used with caution in older adults: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, and mirtazapine.

A search of the medical literature using PubMed and references included in the AGS 2015 Beers Criteria.

The treatment of depression in the older adult can additionally be complicated by comorbid conditions, as 80% of older adults have at least 1 comorbid condition and 50% have at least 2. These considerations limit the pharmacologic treatment options for depression in older adults. However, the treatment of major depression should not be overlooked, as it is quite common, with estimates of up to 5% of older adults in the community and up to 13.5% in older adults who receive home health care.

This article reviews treatment considerations of depression in the older adult, including both available screening tools and a discussion balancing the need for treatment of depression in this population with the concerns addressed in the 2015 Beers Criteria.