The effectiveness of nonpharmacological interventions in older adults with depressive disorders: a systematic review.

Abstract

It is widely acknowledged that mental disorders are common in old age and that depression is one of the most serious threats to the mental health of older adults. The lives of older adults are adversely affected both by major depression and subsyndromal depression. Depression should be approached with both pharmacotherapy and complementary therapies. The disadvantages posed by psychopharmacotherapy may be more prominent among older adults and there is a greater probability of drug interference. Different nonpharmacological interventions have been reported to reduce depressive symptoms in older adults with no adverse side effects.