Supporting the safe and effective use of antidepressants in aged care

Depression and anxiety are common mental health conditions. With depression affecting more than 1 in 10 older adults. This prevalence is even higher among individuals living in residential aged care, with 62.5% of people aged 65 years exhibiting at least mild symptoms of depression and 16% with major depressive symptoms.  Recognition of symptoms of depression can be difficult in this population as they can be similar to behaviours associated with normal ageing such as  sleep disturbances, fatigue and low energy 

The most common causes of depression among older adults  are comorbid physical illnesses, social isolation, and the grief associated with loss of friends, family, and independence. Though some individuals take these life changes in stride, others may experience symptoms of depression or  anxiety. Managing these patients wholisticly requires sensitivity, compassion,  and a good knowledge of best practice approaches, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological.

 With an emphasis on the safe use of antidepressants in the older population, this one-hour webinar will discuss:

• the evidence to support antidepressant use with consideration to the potential harms 

• role of non-pharmacological strategies, including lifestyle, social, and psychological interventions

• the need for ongoing monitoring for efficacy and tolerance to minimise harms and improve outcomes

• safe and appropriate deprescribing of antidepressants

Hosted by Medcast Head of Education, Susie Helmrich RN, DipAppScNsg, BN, , MN(Ed), CertIV(TAE) GradCert(Ldrshp & Mgt), and presented by Simon Bell, Professor and Director, Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Monash University, Anthony Hobbs, Senior Medical Advisor - Aged Care Calvary and Melissa Cromarty,  APNA Board member and aged care home clinical manager

By the end of the session, participants will be equipped to:

• identify factors influencing the diagnosis and management of depression and anxiety in older adults

• discuss evidence-based management options, highlighting benefits and risks to support shared decision-making

• implement tailored, patient-centred plans that include non-pharmacological strategies and clear treatment goals

• outline the importance of regular review and monitoring to minimise harms and optimise care

• identify safe and effective deprescribing approaches for antidepressants in clinical practice

This Continuing Medical Education (CME) 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