A UK NATIONAL SURVEY OF THE MANAGEMENT OF DEPRESSION BY GERIATRICIANSAND OLD-AGE PSYCHIATRISTS

A national postal questionnaire on the management of depression in the elederly was completed by 89 geriatricians and 72 old age psychiatris ts. Significant differences were noted in intended choice of antidepre ssant drugs (using case vignettes), knowledge of antidepressant drugs and knowledge of psychological treatments. Geriatricians were more lik ely to suggest dose ranges which were subtherapeutic and were not conf ident in prescribing newer antidepressants. Very few doctors had overt ly negative attitudes towards ageing and depression. However, a need f or more training was clearly identified, particularly for geriatrician s and for older doctors of both groups. Doctors who were confident abo ut their own abilities tended to also have a more positive approach to therapy and regarded depression as less difficult to treat. Older doc tors, geriatricians and those who felt they needed more training in ho w to treat depression were more likely to use low doses or discontinue treatment too soon after recovery. The results suggest a need for tra ining which focuses on these areas.