Identifying and treating depression across the life span
Symptoms, course, and treatment vary based on patients’ age, stage of life
A meta-analysis of 12 studies of CBT in depressed adults age ≥60 with chronic pain found that CBT was effective at improving self-reported pain but had no significant effect on depressive symptoms, physical function, or medication use.6 ECT often is prescribed for depressed older adults because its safety and efficacy for these patients has been well documented.28 Other neuromodulation therapies include vagus nerve, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, and deep brain stimulation, but none of these treatments have been extensively evaluated in older patients.
Table 3
Avoiding reoccurrence of depression—a ‘prescription’ for patients
| Take medication as prescribed until your doctor instructs you to stop |
| Eat 3 nutritious meals every day |
| Sleep 6 to 8 hours each night |
| Walk/exercise for 20 minutes every day |
| Relax and do breathing exercises as taught 3 times a day |
| Talk with a friend or family member each day |
| Develop a hobby |
| Remain active |
| See your doctor once a month |
Related Resource
- American Psychiatric Association. Treatment of patients with major depressive disorder. 3rd ed. www.psychiatryonline.com/pracGuide/pracGuideChapToc_7.aspx.
Drug Brand Names
- Amitriptyline • Elavil
- Doxepin • Aponal, Silenor
- Fluoxetine • Prozac
- Imipramine • Tofranil
- Mirtazapine • Remeron
Disclosure
The authors report no financial relationship with any company whose products are mentioned in this article or with manufacturers of competing products.
