Evidence-Based Reviews

Identifying and treating depression across the life span

Current Psychiatry. 2011 June;10(6):20-24

References

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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.