Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of comorbid anxiety symptoms on antidepressant treatment remission in older adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). Method: In this multisite clinical trial, 468 older adults aged 60 years or older with MDD received open-label protocolized treatment with venlafaxine extended release (ER) titrated to a maximum of 300 mg daily. At baseline, anxiety was assessed with the Anxiety Sensitivity Index, the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) anxiety subscale, and the Penn State Worry Questionnaire. To measure treatment response, depressive symptoms and suicidality were assessed every 1-2 weeks with the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale and the 19-item Scale for Suicide Ideation; anxiety was assessed with the BSI. Logistic regression and survival analysis were used to evaluate whether anxiety symptoms predicted depression remission.We also examined the relationships between anxiety scores and suicidality at baseline.Results: Baseline anxiety symptoms did not predict remission or time to remission of depressive symptoms. Depressive, worry, and panic symptoms decreased in parallel in patients with high anxiety. Anxiety symptoms were associated with the severity of depression and with suicidality.Conclusion: In older adults with MDD, comorbid anxiety symptoms are associated with symptom severity but do not affect antidepressant remission or time to remission. K E Y W O R D S antidepressants, anxiety/anxiety disorders, depression, geriatric/aging/elderly, suicide/self-harm Institute of Mental Health (R01 MH083660 and P30 MH90333 to University of Pittsburgh, R01 MH083648 to Washington University, and R01 MH083643 to University of Toronto).

Purpose/ Background: Venlafaxine is a commonly used antidepressant with both serotonergic and noradrenergic activity. There are concerns it may prolong the corrected QT interval (QTc), and older adults may be at higher risk for this adverse effect, especially at higher dosages of the medication. Methods/Procedures:In this secondary analysis of a prospective clinical trial, we measured changes in QTc and other ECG parameters in 169 adults aged ≥ 60 with a major depressive disorder treated acutely with venlafaxine extended release (XR) up to 300 mg daily. We examined the relationship of venlafaxine dosage and ECG parameters, as well as the relationship between serum levels of venlafaxine and ECG parameters.Findings/Results: Venlafaxine exposure was not associated with an increase in QTc. Heart rate increased with venlafaxine treatment, while the PR interval shortened, and QRS width did not change significantly. QTc change from baseline was not associated with venlafaxine dosages or

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