Antidepressants in late-life depression: Prescribing principles

Treating depressed older adults with coexisting medical conditions is complex and difficult due to fears of stigma, effects of stoicism, and fears of appearing weak. Advanced practice psychiatric nurses must establish quality relationships with their clients and enlist them in the decision-making process to ensure accurate diagnosis and timely interventions. Considering age-related effects on pharmacokinetics in older adults and the high risk of adverse drug reactions, it is imperative to differentiate medical conditions from psychiatric conditions and initiate a plan of care that integrates pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions to facilitate optimal clinical outcomes.