Review article

Antidepressants and Antipsychotics in Elderly

Vladimir Grošić

Abstract

The aim of the use of antidepressants and antipsychotics in older patients is to delay the inability to live independently and to increase the quality of life. Psychiatric desease in old age increases both the morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the treatment of mental disorders in old age should become imperative within the range of options we have, and which refers primarily to the availability of antidepressants and antipsychotics. Administration of these agents is specific with old patients due to changed physiological processes, somatic comorbidities and more frequent side effects. An individualised approach is recommended as well as starting with the lowest dose. Low doses should be administered at the beginning of the treatment and then increased by slow titration. Antidepressants and antipsychotics are applied separately or combined for the treatment of symptoms and signs which are part of numerous different psychiatric deseases. The main rule in pharmacotherapy treatment of the elderly is to apply efficacious and safe agents. Consequently, new antidepressants and antipsychotics should be administered.

Keywords

old age; psychiatric desases; antidepressants; antipsychotics; individualised approach

Hrčak ID:

189150

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/189150

Publication date:

8.11.2017.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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