The effect of treatment on the two-year course of late-life depression.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of treatment on the long-term course of geriatric depression.


METHODS
Eighty-four elderly patients who had responded to treatment of the index episode of major depression were maintained on full-dose antidepressant medication and followed on a monthly basis for two years. Relapse and recurrence were treated in a systematic manner.


RESULTS
The cumulative probability of surviving for two years without relapse or recurrence was 74%. Of the 14 patients who suffered recurrence following recovery from the index episode, all responded to a change of treatment, and 71% remained well for the remainder of the study. The risk of recurrence was significantly increased by a delayed response to treatment of the index episode.


CONCLUSIONS
Continuation and maintenance treatment with full-dose antidepressant medication, frequent follow-up, and vigorous treatment of relapses and recurrences, were associated with a good outcome in this group of elderly patients.
Flint
A J
AJ
Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Rifat
S L
SL
D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000928:Antidepressive Agents