Depression in Older Adults - A Review

Abstract

The prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) is estimated to be 13.3%, while depressive symptoms are estimated to occur in 28.4% of older adults. A range of medical, functional, and psychosocial risk factors contribute to depression in this population. Depression in older adults may present differently than in younger adults with more physical complaints. Diagnosis becomes even more challenging in the presence of delirium and dementia, which often overlap in an older adult with MDD. It is important to assess suicide risks in older adults with depressive symptoms. Psychotherapy is recommended for mild to moderate depression, while antidepressants should be considered for severe depression or when psychotherapy is not available. Careful monitoring of side effects is important in older adults due to reduced physiological reserves.