Depression in Older Adults - A Review
Ke Zhou, Sher Yin Tan, Shiela P Arroyo, Si Ching Lim
The prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) is estimated to be 13.3%, while depressive symptoms
are estimated to occur in 28.4% of older adults. A range of medical, functional, and psychosocial risk
factors contribute to depression in this population. Depression in older adults may present differently
than in younger adults with more physical complaints. Diagnosis becomes even more challenging in
the presence of delirium and dementia, which often overlap in an older adult with MDD. It is important
to assess suicide risks in older adults with depressive symptoms. Psychotherapy is recommended for
mild to moderate depression, while antidepressants should be considered for severe depression or when
psychotherapy is not available. Careful monitoring of side effects is important in older adults due to
reduced physiological reserves.
