Common Newer Medications for Mental Illness in Older Adults: Practical Prescribing for Primary Care

Moderator: Joseph Shega, MD

Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, and behavioral symptoms of dementia are highly prevalent in older adults and frequently managed in primary care. In recent years, several newer psychotropic medications and novel formulations have entered the market. However, evidence in geriatric populations is frequently limited, and real-world considerations—including polypharmacy, frailty, cognitive impairment, falls risk, cost, and access—complicate prescribing decisions.

This session will provide a pragmatic, evidence-informed approach to prescribing newer medications for common mental illnesses in older adults. Faculty will review indications, comparative effectiveness, safety concerns specific to aging physiology, drug–drug interactions, deprescribing considerations, and cost/access issues. Emphasis will be placed on integrating these medications into comprehensive care plans while minimizing harm and aligning treatment with patient goals and quality of life.

Learning Objectives: (1) identify common newer medications used to treat depression, anxiety, psychosis, and related conditions, and describe their proposed advantages over traditional therapies; (2) evaluate the evidence for efficacy and safety of newer psychotropic medications in older adults, recognizing limitations in geriatric-specific data; and (3) develop a practical approach to monitoring, reassessment, and deprescribing when newer medications are initiated in geriatric primary care.

Newer Psychotropics in Geriatric Primary Care: Hype, Hope, and Practical Prescribing
Cynthia D. Fields, MD

Balancing Innovation and Safety: Using New Mental Health Medications in Older Adults
DanHaimowitz, MD, FACP, CMD