Antidepressant use and the components of the frailty syndrome

• Published in: Revista brasileira de geriatria e gerontologia 2018-02, Vol.21 (1), p.7-15
• Main Authors: Bandeira, Vanessa Adelina Casali, Berlezi, Evelise Moraes, Gross, Carolina Baldissera, Colet, Christiane de Fátima
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antidepressive Agents; Frail Elderly; GERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY; Primary Health Care
• ISSN: 1809-9823; 1981-2256; 1981-2256
• DOI: 10.1590/1981-22562018021.170141

Abstract Objective: to evaluate the effects of antidepressant use on components of frailty. Methods: a cross-sectional and analytical study comparing groups of users and non-users of antidepressants was carried out in a municipal region in the south of Brazil. The research was linked to the matrix study "Health of Elderly Persons in Primary Care". The sample was selected through access to the database of the matrix study from which two groups were extracted: users (n=87) and non-users (n=114) of antidepressants. After selection of the groups, data collection was carried out between June and September 2016 in the homes of the elderly, and included information on sociodemographic characteristics, use of medications and the evaluation of frailty. Pearson's Chi-square hypothesis test was used to verify the association between the groups and the Odds Ratio (OR) was used to calculate risk. Results: The prevalence of frailty was 62.7% and was associated with the group that used antidepressants. Among the components of frailty an association between the user group and fatigue, low gait speed and unintentional weight loss was found. A greater risk of frailty among elderly persons using tricyclic antidepressants and antidepressants potentially inappropriate for the elderly was identified. Conclusions: an association between frailty and antidepressant use was found. These results indicate the need for the clinical evaluation of the risks and benefits of prescribing antidepressants for the elderly; and reveal that when treatment begins, the monitoring and assessment of geriatric characteristics are required to ensure the safety and quality of life of the elderly. Resumo Objetivo: avaliar a repercussão do uso de antidepressivos sobre os componentes da fragilidade. Métodos: estudo transversal e analítico, com comparação de grupos de usuário e não usuário de antidepressivo, realizado em município da região Sul do Brasil, vinculado à pesquisa matricial “A saúde do idoso na atenção primária”. A amostra foi selecionada a partir do acesso ao banco de dados da pesquisa matricial do qual foram extraídos dois grupos: usuário (n=87) e não usuário (n=114) de antidepressivos. Após a seleção dos grupos realizou-se coleta de dados entre junho a setembro de 2016, no espaço domiciliar, com informações referentes às características sociodemográficas, uso de medicamentos e avaliação da fragilidade. Para verificar a associação entre os grupos estudados realizou-se o teste de hipótese do