Geriatric depression in primary care

Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2011 Jun;34(2):469-87, ix-x. doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2011.02.009.

Abstract

Primary care settings present important opportunities for the detection and management of depression in older adults. In this article, the authors review the common barriers to effective treatment of geriatric depression, identify treatment strategies that can substantially improve the effectiveness of treatment in this setting, and highlight the opportunities for addressing health disparities in geriatric depression care. The importance of engaging and supporting family caregivers of depressed older adults and the 3 strategic areas to improve the treatment of geriatric depression in primary care are also discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aging / psychology*
  • Caregivers / psychology
  • Depression / psychology*
  • Depression / therapy*
  • Geriatrics / methods
  • Geriatrics / trends
  • Humans
  • Primary Health Care* / methods
  • Primary Health Care* / trends
  • Treatment Outcome