Scandinavian experience with citalopram in the elderly

Depression is a common disorder among the elderly. Its prevalence is estimated at 12-15%. A multifactorial genesis must be considered. Depression in the elderly often manifests itself in an atypical way, with a somatized clinical picture. As tricyclics are generally too toxic for elderly people, the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) must be considered in this patient group. Citalopram is an SSRI drug with an attractive pharmacokinetic profile, i.e. few side effects and a low potential for interaction with other drugs. In two inter-Nordic studies, this drug significantly improved emotional disturbances in patients with dementia disorders. Significant improvement, with a response rate of 53%, was also seen in elderly people with depression as assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Sixty-six per cent of these patients also suffered from physical illness and had other drug treatment. The drug was well tolerated.