Are antidepressants effective in the treatment of depression in the elderly? A critical umbrella review on reviews, methods, and future perspectives

The elderly are currently the most frequent users of antidepressants across ages, despite having a high risk adverse effects (AEs). This literature review critically reviews current evidence effectiveness and AEs in discusses methodological limitations future directions. Elements Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Meta-Analyses Population, Intervention, Control, Outcomes guidelines were applied. Search Scopus, PubMed, PsycInfo/Ovid, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar relevant systematic- meta-reviews on studies. Ten identified summarized within last decade. Studies showed only modest superiorities to placebo response rates if any, few studies reached significant remission. Moreover, there was lower efficacy patients over 65. common problematic among reporting them. benefits weak alternative treatments advised. Despite lack clear efficacy, UK National Institute Health Care Excellence have not incorporated separate recommendations elderly.