Non-pharmacological methods of treating depression in elderly are effective and not toxic: a minireview

Abstract

Psychological depression is a frequent disorder still underdiagnosed and untreated in elderly. It is treated like something that belongs to the last phase of life. Depression is known to compromise quality of life near death. Pharmacological therapy is not always possible in this group because of frequent adverse effects and interactions with other drugs used and limited time until death. Beside pharmacological therapy there are many non-toxic non pharmacological therapies, more suitable for this population. These therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy or mindfulness meditation therapy as well as many other are confirmed to be effective and safe in this population. Some of these therapies are suitable for the patients who are cognitively impaired.