What is the role of alternative treatments in late-life depression?

Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2013 Dec;36(4):577-96. doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2013.08.012. Epub 2013 Oct 6.

Abstract

Late-life depression remains challenging to treat. One major limitation to treatment is the concern over medication-related side effects to which the elderly are especially vulnerable. Also, because many elderly people are already taking multiple medications for medical conditions, there is the concern over drug-drug interactions. This article reviews various complementary and alternative medicine interventions for late-life depression, including natural remedies, exercise, yoga, tai chi, massage therapy, music therapy, and religion and spirituality.

Keywords: Exercise; Late-life depression; Massage therapy; Music therapy; Natural remedies; Spirituality; Tai chi; Yoga.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Complementary Therapies / methods*
  • Depressive Disorder / therapy*
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Exercise Therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Treatment Outcome