title: Efficacy and safety of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in treating depression in elderly patients.
abstract: The response to antidepressants is not limited by age and there are sufficient data from the clinical trial databases to support the view that antidepressants are effective in both younger and older patients. Depression is common in the elderly although it may frequently be overlooked. Management is complicated by physiological changes associated with ageing and also by the increased likelihood of comorbid physical illness. These factors have to be taken into consideration in selecting antidepressants for the treatment of elderly patients. The older tricyclic antidepressants are associated with well known anticholinergic effects that may be a particular problem for the elderly and can have serious consequences. The development of newer antidepressants has focused on compounds that are more selective in their pharmacological effects with the aim of reducing the unwanted effects. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have a more benign side-effect profile and are better tolerated than the older tricyclic antidepressants. There are relatively few studies carried out specifically in an elderly population but the efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors has been shown both in specific studies in the elderly and in the analyses of elderly patients included in clinical trials of new antidepressants. Their efficacy and improved safety and tolerability profile recommend them for use in the treatment of depression in elderly patients.
authors.affiliation: Imperial College School of Medicine, University of London.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Montgomery
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors