Antidepressants in older adults

Older people 65+ are disproportionately prescribed antidepressants and are staying on them for longer than they should.  According to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) data, around one in four Australians aged over 65 were prescribed antidepressants in 2022-2023. The average duration of therapy in Australia is approximately four years, in contrast to the recommended guideline recommendation of 6-12 months. 

This can lead to a wide range of issues, such as postural hypotension, anticholinergic effects, and antidepressant-induced hyponatremia, which can lead to delirium, seizures, or even death

Primary health care nurses are often the first point of contact for patients, carers and families with questions and concerns about mental health or antidepressants. 

Explore the range of resources below that you can use to support these conversations.

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Resources

Free on-demand webinar: Navigating the grey - a holistic approach to mental health in later life

Free on-demand webinar: Navigating the grey - a holistic approach to mental health in later life

Decision aid

Support health professional-patient discussions and encourage shared decision-making and action-planning for the management of depression or anxiety.

Three ways nurses can support older adults

This short video explains ways nurses can support older adults who take antidepressants.

 

Care plan

A shared decision-making tool to support consumers thinking about tapering or stopping their antidepressant.

Antidepressant deprescribing plan

Support for health professionals on tapering options and distinguishing withdrawal symptoms from relapse

 

 

 

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Nursing Australia podcast Dr Kate Annear talks through some of the strategies health professionals including nurse practitioners as part of a multidisciplinary teams. Listen now