GPs are giving too many older people antidepressants when they are struggling with depression and should be prescribing talking therapies more than they are. Family doctors too often avoid talking to patients over the age of 65 about depression and do not have time to explore and treat the condition properly.
Almost one in ten over-75s are thought to suffer from depression whilst four in ten show symptoms. For the majority of the elderly (87%) are being treated with medication even though it does not help them according to a study. GPs dismiss talking therapies as a way of tackling depression in older people partly because there are long waiting times before the therapy starts.
The British Journal of General Practice study said the depression symptoms increase both the risk of functional and cognitive decline. They also say they prefer to have therapy than take antidepressants and once they hit the older age they are less likely to be referred.
In the UK older adults’ access to Improving Access to Psychological Therapies services is low despite how effective they are. In the study by the British Journal of general practice they had a health services researcher, two academic GPs, a clinical epidemiologist/public health specialist, and an academic nurse. Their aim was to explore how healthcare professionals manage older people in relation to depression and referrals to psychological therapies.
NHS Digital figures showed that 1.4 million people of all ages were referred for help to NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies services in 2017/18 however, only 91,117 of them were aged other 65. Even though evidence shows that talking therapies help older people with depression they are twice as likely as younger people to be treated with antidepressants.
Rachael Frost, an academic at University College London and the lead author of the paper said: “There needs to be greater access to talking therapies. They are effective in older populations, but we know that GPs are less likely to refer those in their 80s to psychological therapies for depressive symptoms than those in their 50s and 60s,”
After 27 studies the researchers came to the conclusion that mental ill health needs to be more of a concern in the care of older adults with more psychological services tailored to the older generation. Limited time in consultations and complexity of needs in later life meant physical health was prioritised over mental health.
Caroline Abrahams, the charity director of Age UK, said: “These figures once again show that older people are missing out on talking therapies and other effective treatments for mental health conditions, with medication too often being the prescribed approach.
“Depression and anxiety affects nearly three million people over 60, and older people mustn’t miss out on help and treatment because either they aren’t offered it or don’t know where to go for help. Talking therapies can benefit everyone, regardless of age.”
