Efficacy of treatment in older depressed patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of double-blind randomized controlled trials with antidepressants

Baseline cognitive function does not predict the treatment outcome of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in late-life depression

“…Antidepressant medication is the first choice of treatment for major depression (MD) among the elderly (American Psychiatric Association, 2010). However, about two thirds of the elderly patients included in a meta-analysis of 51 double-blind randomized controlled trials (RCTs) did not achieve remission after a single antidepressant trial, whereas 52% were non-responders (Kok et al, 2012). When strictly defined, remission is a more clinically relevant and valid end-point than response because it has stronger implications for good function and prognosis (Rush et al, 2006).…”

Initiation of Antidepressant Medication After Hip Fracture in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

“…12e14 The efficacy and safety of antidepressant medications in treating this vulnerable population are questionable. Although antidepressant medications have been shown to be effective for treatment of major depressive disorders in older adults, 15 most clinical trials have been limited to younger and healthier depressed elderly. Little is known of the safety and efficacy of antidepressants in the time period immediately following a hip fracture.…”

When ageing meets the blues: Are current antidepressants effective in depressed aged patients?

“…Overall, clinical evidence does not suggest that SSRIs and SNRIs exhibit differential efficacy compared to the older TCAs in elderly patients as confirmed by a recent a meta-analysis study of 51 double-blind randomized controlled trials comparing all classes of antidepressant drugs (TCAs, SSRIs and others) in elderly depressed patients (Kok et al, 2012). Similarly, a systematic review by Mukai and colleagues (Mukai and Tampi, 2009) found no differences on the efficacy of SSRIs vs. TCAs and SNRIs in the treatment of depression in the elderly.…”