Caring for Depressed and Suicidal Older Patients: a Survey of Physicians and Nurse Practitioners

A probability sample of 300 Illinois doctors & a national sample of 595 nurse practitioners were surveyed. Respondents rated their confidence in assessing & treating depression & suicidality & identified barriers to mental health treatment in a primary care setting. Nurse practitioners used more varied approaches in assessing, treating, & referring geriatric patients with mental health problems. Doctors relied more heavily on psychotropic medications for the treatment of depression & on psychiatrists when referring suicidal older patients. Nurse practitioners were more likely to note lack of training & referral resources as barriers to treating depression in older patients. (51 refs.)