Long-term outcome of treatment-resistant depression in older adults.
Seventeen elderly patients with treatment-resistant depression were reassessed 15 months and 4 years after treatment with an antidepressant agent or ECT. At 15 months 47% (seven of 15) were clinically improved, and at the 4-year follow-up 71% (10 of 14) were improved. These results indicate that treatment-resistant depression may improve over time because of either the natural course of the illness or persistent treatment efforts.
Medical Psychiatric Unit, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta.
A
A
Stoudemire
C D
CD
Hill
R
R
Morris
B J
BJ
Lewison
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000928:Antidepressive Agents