Covariables which could have influenced outcome were demographics, health status, physical functioning, health habits, social functioning and support, and psychological status. Religion seemed to be the most effective in conjunction with other practices. The authors recommend further study. Thapa, Purushottam B., et al. Anti depressants and the Risk of Falls Among Nursing Home Residents.
Depression is common in elderly individuals including nursing facility residents.
Once diagnosed, this disorder responds well to pharmacological interventions. There are concerns that these medications, commonly tricyclic and heterocyclic antidepressants, produce psychomotor impairment which can lead to accidental falls. The risk of falling increases between 50 percent and 200 percent when these medications are used. Alternative antidepressants include selective inhibitors of the reuptake of serotonin and are largely free of the adverse psychomotor effects of tricyclic antidepressants. These drugs are more expensive and may have other unwanted side effects in frail elderly residents.