[Depressive states in old age and their therapy--1983-1993 survey]

According to results of the census of gerontopsychiatric patients, on June 30, 1993 there were 741 hospitalized patients. In the submitted paper the authors follow up data on 207 patients treated with antidepressants. In 73% endogenous depressions were involved another third of the patients suffered from reactive conditions, organic mental disorders and dependence. Coexistence of organic and affective syndromes was frequently encountered (44.4%); in the majority of the group three nad more somatic diseases were present concurrently. As to antidepressants, even after 10 years tricyclic antidepressants are frequently used; the most frequently used drug was dosulepine. Antidepressants of the second generation are also used (maprotiline, viloxazine), less frequently selective inhibitors of serotonin uptake were administered (SSRI) and reversible monoaminooxidase inhibitors (RIMA). As compared with 1983 in 1993 more rarely Amitriptyline was used and the authors found that the spectrum of antidepressants used was extended and that these drugs were used also in other disorders than depressions.