Target symptoms for fluvoxamine in old age depression

• Published in: International journal of psychiatry in clinical practice 2000, Vol.4 (2), p.127-134
• Main Author: N Fountoulakis, Magda Tsolaki, Aristides Kazis, Konstantinos
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1365-1501; 1471-1788
• DOI: 10.1080/13651500050518299

INTRODUCTION: Old age depression is difficult to treat. It is presumed that the underlying biochemical mechanism differs from that of depression of younger age. Clinical manifestations also differ, as elderly people manifest more irritability, anxiety, conduct and cognitive disorders than pessimism or guilt. Response to treatment is believed to be poorer than in younger patients. METHOD: Fifty patients, with a mean age of 66.65, suffering from major depression or dysthymia according to DSM-IV criteria, took part in the study. Their mean HDRS score was 16.77. They were prescribed 100 mg of fluvoxamine daily. Half of them returned 3 months later for reassessment by GDS, HDRS, MMSE, CAMCOG and FRSSD. RESULTS: Mean changes in scores were: GDS, -3.14 +/- 10.86; MMSE, -0.96 +/- 3.34; CAMCOG, +1.59 +/- 8.95; and FRSSD -3 +/- 4.96; statistically significant differences were found for GDS and FRSSD scores. All patients manifested residual symptoms. CONCLUSION: Fluvoxamine improved elderly patients suffering from geriatric depression, particularly in respect of depressive thought content (GDS) and impairment in everyday activities (FRSSD). When cognitive impairment due to depression was present, response to treatment was greater. Severely depressed patients showed a greater response to treatment, but also more severe residual symptoms. (Int J Psych Clin Pract 2000; 4:127-134) 3.17 +/- 4.06; HDRS,