کد مقاله | کد نشریه | سال انتشار | مقاله انگلیسی | نسخه تمام متن |
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6234714 | 1608175 | 2013 | 8 صفحه PDF | دانلود رایگان |
BackgroundDepression is common in the elderly and in the last few years this led to a significant increase in antidepressant prescription rates. However, little is known about antidepressant efficacy profile in relation with socio-demographic and clinical features in this population.The aim of the present study was to define the most suitable socio-demographic and clinical profile for the use of antidepressant treatments in late-life depression.MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focused on efficacy of antidepressants of all classes in major depressed elderly subjects (>60 years old). Reviews and meta-analyses focusing on this topic have been considered as well. Thirty-four RCTs were included and socio-demographic and clinical features were investigated via meta-regression analysis as moderators of efficacy measures (standardized mean difference based on Hamilton Depressive Rating Scale and Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale).ResultsA lower rate of response to antidepressants of all classes was found in patients of male gender, of older age, and with a longer mean duration of the current episode. On the contrary, a higher rate of response was found in patients with a higher baseline severity and at their first episode of illness. Subsamples treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors alone yielded similar results.LimitationsRCTs only have been included.ConclusionsA number of socio-demographic and clinical features have been found to moderate antidepressant efficacy in elderly population. Those variables could help clinicians for a more individualized treatment.
Journal: Journal of Affective Disorders - Volume 147, Issues 1â3, May 2013, Pages 1-8