Funded by the Australian Government through the Quality Use of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Patholgy Program.

Case scenario

Janet, an 82-year-old regular customer at your pharmacy, lives alone after her husband’s death 6 years ago. She takes ramipril for hypertension, and is an avid baker who often shares her baked goods with the pharmacy. After a few weeks of absence, she comes to see you and mentions she’s been struggling to get out of bed in the morning and lacks the motivation to bake or attend her aerobics class. In the consultation room, you use the Geriatric Depression Scale–151 (GDS–15) as a guide for discussion on depression screening. Janet scores 10/15 on the GDS–15, indicating potential depression. You refer her to her GP for further assessment.

Learning objectives

After reading this article, pharmacists should be able to:

  • Discuss epidemiological and clinical features of depression in older people
  • Outline pharmacological and non-pharmacological management options for depression in older people
  • Explain how pharmacists can support quality use of antidepressants for
    older people.

Competency standards (2016) addressed: 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 2.2, 3.1, 3.5

Accreditation number: CAP2502DMCO

Accreditation expiry: 31/01/2028

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