Research Progress in Non-Pharmacological Treatments for Depression among Older People

Abstract

This chapter conducts a thorough assessment of the literature and data on the clinical application and mechanism of non-pharmacological therapy for late-life depression using the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and PubMed databases. One of the most common mental diseases among the elderly, geriatric depression has a significant negative impact on both their physical and mental health. Due to its accessibility and high ecological value, non-pharmacological treatments are being used more often in the prevention and treatment of late-life depression (LLD). The findings indicate that non-invasive brain stimulation, psychotherapies, physical activity, and Tai Chi can significantly lessen the psychological and physical symptoms of those who are suffering from late-life depression while also enhancing their quality of life. The experimental design, evaluation procedures, sample size, and failure to observe the persistent effects of intervention measures through long-term follow-up are still weaknesses in earlier studies, nevertheless. The standard of evidence-based research on non-pharmacological treatments intervention in late-life depression should be improved in future studies.