Treating geriatric depression in primary care

• Published in: Current psychiatry reports Vol. 10; no. 1; pp. 44 - 50
• Main Authors: Skultety, Karyn M., Rodriguez, Rachel L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Current Science Inc 01-02-2008
• Subjects: Aged; Antidepressive Agents - adverse effects; Antidepressive Agents - therapeutic use; Case Management; Combined Modality Therapy; Cooperative Behavior; Depressive Disorder, Major - diagnosis; Depressive Disorder, Major - drug therapy; Depressive Disorder, Major - psychology; Humans; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Patient Care Team; Primary Health Care; Psychiatry; Psychotherapy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Collaborative Care; Depressive Symptom; Primary Care Patient; Mental Health Provider; Primary Care Setting
• ISSN: 1523-3812; 1535-1645
• DOI: 10.1007/s11920-008-0009-2

Depression, a significant problem among older adults, is most commonly reported in the primary care setting. To offer the treatments for depression preferred by many older adults, clinical providers and researchers have called for the creation of integrative psychosocial care options in primary care, using mental health providers working in collaboration with medical providers. In this article, we examine the empirical status of integrating treatment for depression in older adults in the primary care setting by summarizing the current models of integrated care and latest research developments. We discuss the strengths and limitations of the current integration models and offer recommendations for expanding work in this important area.