Work

State of the Science of Neural Systems in Late‐Life Depression: Impact on Clinical Presentation and Treatment Outcome

Year: 2018

Type: review

Abstract: Major depression in older adults, or late-life depression (LLD), is a common and debilitating psychiatric disorder that increases the risk of morbidity and mortality. Although the effects of LLD make it important to achieve a diagnosis and start treatment quickly, individuals with LLD are often inadequately or unsuccessfully treated. The latest treatment developments suggest that interventions targeting executive dysfunction and neuroticism, constructs associated with poor response to antidepressants in older adults, are successful in treating LLD. Specific behavioral interventions (computerized cognitive training, mindfulness meditation, aerobic exercise) appear to decrease depressive symptoms and ameliorate executive dysfunction and neuroticism, but we do not fully understand the mechanisms by which these treatments work. We review recent research on neural network changes underlying executive dysfunction and neuroticism in LLD and their association with clinical outcomes (e.g., treatment response, cognitive functioning).

Source: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society

DOI: 10.1111/jgs.15353

Authors: Kevin J. Manning, David C. Steffens

Institutions: University of Connecticut, UConn Health

Language: English

Topic: Treatment of Major Depression

Subfield: Pharmacology (medical)

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Mental Health