Experts are raising alarms about the increasing number of older adults on antidepressants for extended periods, highlighting risks like memory issues and severe falls. Currently, over 20% of those aged 65 and above are prescribed these medications, a trend that has more than doubled in the last two decades.
As people age, the dangers associated with these drugs tend to escalate. Moreover, research indicates that older adults may experience more severe withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing the medications. Despite this, some specialists criticize general practitioners (GPs) for allowing many patients to remain on antidepressants for too long, neglecting to suggest safer treatment options like therapy.
Recently, Dr. Ellie Cannon, a GP columnist, voiced concern over patients staying on these drugs long after their mental health challenges have diminished. This perspective was echoed by numerous individuals who have been on antidepressants for well over ten years.
One 75-year-old from Derby, Bill Jennings, shared that he has been on antidepressants since 1990, yet no doctor has ever recommended he stop. In a similar vein, 76-year-old Heather Hicks from East Sussex has been taking medication since 1996, originally prescribed for marital stress. Although she attempted to discontinue use thrice, withdrawal symptoms thwarted her efforts. “I really wish my doctor had recommended counseling instead of a drug that’s so hard to quit,” she lamented.
Experts emphasize the necessity for GPs to recognize which older patients could safely stop taking their prescriptions. Robert Howard, a Professor of Old Age Psychiatry at University College London, reiterated that some patients might no longer need these medications.
In the UK, more than eight million people take antidepressants, but there are no NHS guidelines on how long patients should continue. Generally, they are advised to take them for at least six months after symptoms improve.
The most common antidepressants are SSRIs, which increase serotonin levels in the brain, aiding mood. However, they come with potential side effects like nausea, dizziness, and sexual dysfunction. While these issues are usually mild and lessen over time, they may become more serious in older adults.
Particularly troubling is the increased risk of falls, which can result in severe fractures, especially for older patients experiencing dizziness from these medications. If they attempt to stop, withdrawal symptoms like insomnia and mood swings can emerge.
Some experts attribute the growing number of older adults on these drugs to GP practices, while also acknowledging that patients often aren’t offered suitable alternatives. Studies reveal that fewer than 6% of those referred for talking therapies are over 65, even though this age group constitutes nearly 20% of the population.
One psychiatrist noted that many older patients receive antidepressants from their GPs without ever consulting mental health specialists. This lack of follow-up results in patients remaining on medication indefinitely. Conversely, GPs point out that loneliness and social isolation can contribute to depression in older adults, and treatments that promote social engagement, like group counseling, would be beneficial. However, long NHS waiting lists, exacerbated by increasing youth mental health issues, leave little option besides antidepressants. They stress the need for improvement in identifying which patients can eventually discontinue their use.
