Pharmacologic management of depression in the elderly

Depression, the most common geriatric psychiatric disorder, is a disabling mood disorder that impairs one's well-being and may even threaten a sufferer's life. Severely depressed elderly persons are more likely to kill themselves than individuals in any other age group. However, geriatric depression is, for the most part, a treatable and manageable illness. Antidepressant medication can be very effective in treating major depressive disorder (MDD). Because age-related physical changes in the elderly produce pharmacokinetics that are often different than that experienced by younger adults, different doses are often necessary. This article summarizes recommendations for selecting and initiating appropriate antidepressant therapy in elderly persons suffering from MDD. The benefits and drawbacks of tricyclic antidepressant agents, and other atypical antidepressant agents are discussed. Phases of treatment, drug selection, dosing, and educational tips for pharmacotherapy are presented.