Centre for Policy on Ageing
 

 
Under-prescribing
 — are we failing our older patients with depression?
Author(s)Tim Stevens
Journal titleGeriatric Medicine, vol 29, no 1, January 1999
Pagespp 25-26, 29
KeywordsDepression ; Drugs.
AnnotationDepression in older patients often goes unrecognised. Most older people with depression respond well to pharmacological therapy; yet research shows that they frequently receive inadequate doses of antidepressants or inappropriate drugs. SSRIs (specific serotonin re-uptake inhibitors) are effective and well tolerated, and should be used as first-line treatment. Antidepressant medication should be given sufficient time to work, and while often effective in itself, may be augmented by psychosocial treatments ranging from cognitive-behavioural therapy to practical interventions such as the provision of home help. (RH).
Accession NumberCPA-990209005 A
ClassmarkENR: LLD

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