Managing depression in frail older people; too little too late or pathologising loss?

Abstract

It is testament to the advances of modern medicine that we have a population with more older people than ever before. While we are increasingly adept at managing their physical comorbidities, we have made relatively little progress in addressing the psychological impact of ageing. In this article we consider the prevalence and complex aetiology of depression in older people who often have to deal with profound loss, while simultaneously managing multiple comorbidities. We consider the challenges of diagnosing depression faced by healthcare professionals including access to resources and training, and what differentiates depression from socially appropriate low mood. Finally, we discuss treatment options and the difficulties that clinicians face when they have only limited resources and skills available, but a desire to help. We consider the role for antidepressants, and when not to prescribe, before addressing the challenges of providing talking therapies and social interventions.

Keywords: depression; depression diagnosis; loss; older people.