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Older community residents with depression: long-term treatment with sertraline. Randomised, double-blind,
K C M Wilson1, P G Mottram, L Ashworth
1University of Liverpool, UK. kw500505@liverpool.ac.uk
Background:
Despite a growing use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in older people, only one trial has examined their prophylactic efficacy in people aged 65 years and over.
Aims:
To examine the efficacy of sertraline in preventing the recurrence of depression in older people living in the community.
Method:
Participants were openly treated with sertraline and then randomised into a double-blind, placebo-controlled continuation/maintenance study of about 2 years duration. Drug dosage was maintained at levels that achieved remission.
Results:
No significant difference between the sertraline and placebo groups was found in the proportion of recurrences (-7.9%; 95% CI -28.06 to 12.23). Increased age and minor residual symptoms during the continuation phase were associated with recurrence.
Conclusions:
Sertraline at therapeutic dosage does not provide significant protection against recurrence.