Key result
Depression is linked to a ~149% greater likelihood of polypharmacy in older adults.
Why the study?
Depression and polypharmacy are both common among older adults and may be closely interrelated.
Is depression associated with polypharmacy in older adults?
Is depression associated with polypharmacy in older adults?
Depression is strongly associated with polypharmacy in older adults, highlighting the need to integrate mental health assessments into medication management.
May warrant depression screening in older adults with polypharmacy; confirms the association but leaves causality and practice change open.
Background Depression and polypharmacy are both common among older adults and may be closely interrelated. Methods This systematic review and meta‐analysis examined the association between depression and polypharmacy by searching EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO from inception to 18 May 2023. The review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022343619). Results Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, with six rated high quality and two medium quality. Pooled analysis using a random‐effects model demonstrated a strong association between depression and polypharmacy (OR = 2.49; 95% CI: 1.88–3.29; I² = 83%). Subgroup analyses revealed consistently elevated associations in both community‐based and institutional/clinic‐based populations. Conclusions Depression is associated with polypharmacy among older adults. These findings underscore the importance of integrating mental health assessment into medication management strategies for older adults.
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Wang et al. (2026) studied this question. Depression is associated with an increased likelihood of polypharmacy in older adults, with an odds ratio of 2.49 (95% CI: 1.88–3.29).
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