Effectiveness of treatments for depression in older people
Date
2005
Authors
Frazer, Cathy
Christensen, Helen
Griffiths, Kathleen
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Australasian Medical Association
Abstract
Objective: To conduct a systematic review of the evidence for the effectiveness of a range of possible-treatments for depression in older people. Data sources: Literature search using the PubMed, PsycInfo and Cochrane Library databases. Data synthesis: Treatments that have been suggested to be effective for depression were grouped under three categories: medical treatments, psychological treatments, and lifestyle changes/alternative treatments. We describe each treatment, review the studies of its effectiveness in people aged ≥ 60 years, and give a rating of the level of evidence. Conclusions: The treatments with the best evidence of effectiveness are antidepressants, electroconvulsive therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, reminiscence therapy, problem-solving therapy, bibliotherapy (for mild to moderate depression) and exercise. There is limited evidence to support the effectiveness of transcranial magnetic stimulation, dialectical behaviour therapy, interpersonal therapy, light therapy (for people in nursing homes or hospitals), St John's wort and folate in reducing depressive symptoms.
Description
Keywords
Keywords: alpha tocopherol; antidepressant agent; ascorbic acid; Borago officinalis extract; chamomile; Cimicifuga racemosa extract; cyanocobalamin; estradiol; estrogen; fish oil; folic acid; folic acid derivative; Ganoderma lucidum extract; gestagen; Ginkgo biloba
Citation
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Source
Medical Journal of Australia
Type
Journal article