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Depression in Older Adults

There is a common misconception, especially among older adults, that depression is a normal part of aging. It’s not.

Get guidance with the information and resources we’ve gathered below to help you recognize depression in yourself or someone you love.

How Can the GeneSight® Test Help Depression Treatment for Older Adults?

Antidepressants have implications for older adults that are not present in younger patients.1 Many older adults take medications for multiple conditions (known as polypharmacy), which puts them at greater risk for potential adverse reactions. The risk of side effects is elevated, including risk of falls and fractures.2

The GeneSight Psychotropic test may help. The GeneSight test is a pharmacogenomic test that evaluates clinically important genetic variations in a person’s DNA. The results of the GeneSight test can inform their doctor about genes that may impact how an individual metabolizes or responds to medications commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, ADHD and other psychiatric conditions.

If you think genetic testing could be helpful for you or someone you care for, start the conversation today.

GeneSight Discussion Guide

How Depression is Different in Older Adults

More than 6.5 million Americans aged 65 and older are dealing with some form of depression, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Depression among older adults is linked with longer length of illness and a greater number of chronic medical conditions. Late-life depression can be accompanied by cognitive impairment and sometimes dementia.3

One study showed that older adults with depression had more doctor appointments per year, had more laboratory tests, underwent more radiologic procedures, and had more consultations with medical, surgical, and other specialists compared to non-depressed individuals.4

Doreen's GeneSight Experience Learn More About GeneSight

Factors that could increase the risk of geriatric depression

  • Stressful life events like the death of a spouse, siblings, friends
  • Living alone
  • Social isolation
  • Being female
  • Being single, unmarried, divorced, or widowed
  • Physical illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and arthritis5

Signs & Symptoms of Depression

Depression is not always easily recognizable. The first step is being aware of the signs and symptoms of depression. Remember that depression is treatable, and that it’s okay to ask for help.

What depression looks like

  • Weight loss or gain
  • Exhaustion
  • Frequent unexplained crying
  • Self-harming
  • Grumpiness6

What depression feels like

  • Sadness and anxiety
  • Hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness
  • Restlessness
  • Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
  • Confusion

Unique Challenges of Medication Treatment in Older Adults

Seniors often face multiple chronic illnesses which may mean managing multiple medications. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, about 89% of older people used at least one prescription and about 68% used three or more prescriptions within a 30 day period. The GeneSight test is just one of the many tools that can help your healthcare provider treat and manage multiple medications.

Seeking Help

The most important step you can take is to talk to your doctor. They can give you a depression screening to confirm that what you are experiencing is depression. If you are, and your provider suggests depression medication, you may be a good candidate for the GeneSight test. Your doctor can use the results of your GeneSight test to understand how your body may metabolize or respond to certain depression medications.

If you are the caregiver for a loved one, talk to them, and encourage them to talk to their doctor. And don’t let cost be a concern; over 98% of patients pay $330 or less for the GeneSight test.*

Older adults may offer excuses — from denial to cultural or religious attitudes — for not seeking help for their depression. Don’t let these or any other roadblocks get in the way of their mental health.

Take the next step with the GeneSight test

Take a step closer to getting the GeneSight test or registering to provide the test to your patients. We will follow up with additional information either via email or phone.

The GeneSight test must be ordered by a registered clinician. If you are a patient, caregiver or office staff who would like a clinician to be registered to administer the GeneSight test, please include their name and contact information.

If you are a current registered provider or tested patient, please contact us.

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If you do not have a clinician, we have a directory of healthcare providers who are registered to order the GeneSight test. When you complete this form, we will link you to this directory, so you will have the option to view registered GeneSight providers in your area.







Your clinician who is currently managing your medication and making treatment decisions can order your GeneSight test.

If you do not have a clinician, we have a directory of healthcare providers who are registered to order the GeneSight test. When you complete this form, we will link you to this directory, so you will have the option to view registered GeneSight providers in your area.

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The GeneSight test must be ordered by your clinician








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If you are a patient or a caregiver and would like to request a copy of your results, please complete the Patient Report Request form here








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By submitting your information in this form, you agree that your personal information may be stored and processed in any country where we have facilities or service providers, and by using our “Take the Next Step” page you agree to the possible transfer of information to countries outside of your country of residence, including to the United States, which may provide for different data protection rules than in your country. The information you submit will be utilized for the sole purpose it was submitted for and governed by our Privacy Notice.

Learn more about depression in older adults

    1. Depression in Later Life: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge, American Academy of Family Physicians
    2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4125318/
    3. https://alzheimer-recherche.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/ALZ-DEM_-Dementia-and-Depression_2017.pdf
    4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1064748112609646?via%3Dihub
    5. https://www.medicinenet.com/depression_in_the_elderly/article.htm
    6. https://www.medicinenet.com/depression_in_the_elderly/article.htm

    The stories shared on this page are individual patients’ personal experiences with GeneSight. Others may not have the same experience or outcome. Do not make any changes to your current medications or dosing without consulting your healthcare provider. The GeneSight test must be ordered by and used only in consultation with a healthcare provider who can prescribe medications.

    *Based on a review of six months of past claim data for major insurance carriers across the US. Last updated 2023.

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