Pharmacotherapy of depression in oldage

Antidepressants are not only effective in younger adults but also in older persons with depression. However there a re pecularities, which have to be taken into account when treating older patients. The enhanced risk of side effects has to be balanced with the more serious consequences of an untreat ed depression in old age. The efficacy in older patients has been proven no t only for tricyclic antidepressants but also for SSRI and other newer anti depressants. The easy handling, the side effect profile and the safety in o verdose are advantages of SSRI and newer antidepressants, which become part icularly important in old age. The advantages and disadvantages of differen t classes of antidepressants with regard to comorbidity and comedication ar e discussed. In older subjects, changes of dosage should be slower and for some, but not for all antidepressants, dosage should be lower.