Antidepressants in older adults: Virtual Educational Visit

Older adults (65+) are disproportionately prescribed antidepressants and are staying on them for longer than necessary. According to AIHW data, around 1 in 4 Australians adults aged over 65 were prescribed antidepressants in 2022-2023, a rate substantially higher than that of other age groups, despite lower reported rates of depression and anxiety in older adults and increasing concerns of harm. 

This visit will address:

• Key considerations for older adults, including comorbidities and other risk factors

• Non-pharmacological management options including social prescribing, lifestyle changes, and psychological therapies

• The benefits and risks associated with antidepressant use

• Review and monitoring strategies to improve outcomes and prevent harm

• Deprescribing approaches; when and how to implement into practice

You will also gain access to high-quality resources that support decision-making and optimse patient care.

By the end of the session participants will be able to: 

• identify key considerations affecting the diagnosis and management of anxiety and depression disorders in older adults

• discuss the evidence for available options to manage anxiety or depression, and communicate their benefits and risks with patients to support shared decision making

• implement a patient-centred plan that incorporates non-pharmacological strategies for managing anxiety or depression and outlines individualised treatment goals and expectations

• outline the importance of ongoing review and monitoring to minimise harm and ensure effective management of anxiety or depression

• identify appropriate deprescribing approaches for antidepressants and how to apply them in clinical practice

This is a Medcast Continuing Medical Education (CME) course.

This educational session is brought to you by Medcast and the Quality Use of Medicines Alliance. 

For more free Quality Use of Medicines education, check out QHUB on Medcast