Give late-life depression sufferers ‘better access to therapy’

Elderly patients with depression should be given better access to therapy and community activities instead of antidepressants, researchers have said.

Up to 9.3% of adults over the age of 75 are estimated to have a major depressive disorder, according to a review of evidence by experts. Many doctors believe late-life depression is linked to social isolation and functional decline.

However, the researchers found treatments to address this were limited.

They also said those aged over 85 are five times less likely to be referred for psychological treatments than those aged 55 to 59, despite elderly patients often expressing a preference for talking therapies. The team, from University College London and Bristol University, called for better access to treatments “tailored to later life”, such as talking therapies, community activities, internet based-therapies and bibliotherapy, instead of drugs.

The mental wellbeing of elderly patients should be a greater concern for doctors, the researchers also said, warning that many devote limited time to any problems during consultations.

“Primary care services for older people do not currently prioritise older adults’ mental health to the same extent as their physical health, which is compounded by a lack of referral options suitable to older people’s needs,” they wrote.