title: Treatment guidelines for geriatric mood disorders.
abstract: The authors reviewed the literature on the pharmacotherapy of geriatric mood disorders. Based on the evidence available, we have proposed: (i) that although any antidepressant is assumedly equal in antidepressive efficacy, ones with weak anticholinergic and antialpha1 effects are preferable in geriatric patients; (ii) that augmentation therapy with lithium and methylphenidate has modest evidence of efficacy in this population; (iii) that modified electroconvulsive therapy is safe and effective for severe and psychotic depression in the elderly; and (iv) that lithium remains the first choice for geriatric bipolar disorder, although its optimal serum level may be lower than in younger adults.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuropsychiatry, Showa University Fujigaoka Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Oshima
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Higuchi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D006801:Humans; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents