Sertraline in the treatment of minor depression in nursing home residents: a pilot study.
'Minor' depression affects up to 50% of residents in long-term care facilities and is associated with considerable discomfort, disability and risk of morbidity. Despite the prevalence of this problem, few studies addressing the treatment of these patients have been conducted. In an open clinical trial, 12 nursing home residents who met the DSM-IV description for minor depressive disorder were treated with sertraline for 6 weeks. Adverse effects and clinical response were monitored. All residents tolerated their medication without any significant side-effects. At the completion of the study, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Global Assessment Scale change scores both indicated significant improvement and 75% of the residents met criteria for 'remission'. This preliminary study provides evidence that nursing home residents with minor depression tolerated treatment with sertraline and improved clinically.
Rosen
J
J
Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15241, USA.
Mulsant
B H
BH
Pollock
B G
BG
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly / Q000523:psychology*; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009735:Nursing Homes; D010865:Pilot Projects; D020280:Sertraline / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D020280:Sertraline