Considerations in the Treatment of Geriatric Depression Overview of Pharmacotherapeutic and Psychotherapeutic Treatment Interventions

Geriatric (or late-life) depression is common in older adults, with an incidence that increases dramatically after age 70 to 85, as well as among those admitted to hospitals and those who reside in nursing homes. In this population, depression promotes disability and is associated with worsened outcomes of comorbid chronic medical diseases. Geriatric depression is often undetected or undertreated in primary care settings for various reasons, including the (incorrect) belief that depression is a normal part of aging. Current research suggests that while antidepressant agent use in older adults is improving in quality, room for improvement exists. Improving the pharmacotherapy of depression in older adults requires knowledge and understanding of many clinical factors. The purpose of this review is to discuss salient issues in geriatric depression, with a focus on pharmacotherapeutic and psychotherapeutic interventions.