In the News: Older adults and antidepresssants
April 17, 2023
Depression that is hard to treat is common in older adults. As we age, normal changes in the body affect the way antidepressants work in the brain, heart and body. When treating older adults with treatment-resistant depression, clinicians often struggle with the question of whether they should change the medicine or add something to it.
Jordan F. Karp, MD, professor and chair of the department of Psychiatry in the College of Medicine – Tucson, discusses new research that shows a better and safer treatment method that has fewer side effects and less risk of falls. The study showed improvement in 30% of patients tested. It also heads researchers in a positive direction regarding developing other medications for older adults with treatment-resistant depression.