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According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), more than 80 percent of people with depression can be treated successfully with medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both. The treatment options available for depression are quite varied and individualized. However, results often take time and as many as half the patients undergoing treatment for depression do not respond immediately.

Medications for depression offer relief of symptoms over a period of time. The primary medications for this disorder are antidepressants. There are several different kinds of antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

SSRIs and SNRIs are usually associated with milder side effects than older antidepressants such as the TCAs and MAOIs. Because older adults are more sensitive to side effects, SSRIs are prescribed more frequently for older adults, according to the National Institutes of Health. A physician may prescribe a lower dose to minimize side effect risks.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised that antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thinking in some patients and all people being treated with them should be monitored closely for unusual changes in behavior.

Other medications may be used in combination with antidepressants in some cases. However, many physicians prefer to keep the number of medications taken by older adults to a minimum to reduce side effects and the risk of medication interactions. However, if the patient displays psychotic features (e.g., hallucinations, delusions), antipsychotics may be prescribed.

One form of psychotherapy that may be helpful for older adults focuses on family stress, grief and the changing nature of family roles (e.g., children making decisions for parents). Called interpersonal therapy (IPT), this form has been used for both depressive disorders and patients going through normal bereavement.

In rare cases, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be recommended by some physicians to treat severe depression in patients who cannot take or do not respond to medications. ECT is a treatment in which electrical current is used to cause a brief convulsion in the patient.

A healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and exercise and strong social and interpersonal connections may help some older adults minimize the risk of developing depression. Those who have experienced major depression and recognize the return of their symptoms can seek help immediately to minimize their effect.