title: Are older people prescribed antidepressants on the basis of fewer symptoms of depression, and for longer periods of time? A survey of 1825 New Zealanders.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine whether older people are prescribed antidepressants at lower levels of depression and with fewer symptoms, and whether they are more likely to engage in chronic usage than younger adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  An online survey about experiences with, and opinions about, depression and antidepressants was completed by 1825 New Zealand adults who had been prescribed antidepressants in the preceding five years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants over 55 were prescribed antidepressants with significantly fewer symptoms and were significantly less likely to meet DSM criteria for depression. They were also significantly more likely to have used the drugs for three years and still be using them.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Prescribing physicians and their older patients might benefit from discussing the pros and cons of antidepressants (including the additional risk factors with this age group) and the alternatives. If prescription does occur, careful monitoring to avoid unnecessary, potentially damaging, long-term use is recommended.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of East London, Stratford, London, UK. j.read@uel.ac.uk.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Read
authors.affiliation: School of Psychological Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Kerry L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Gibson
authors.affiliation: School of Psychological Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Claire
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cartwright
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000639:trends*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents
keywords: antidepressant medication; depression; older people