The optimum duration of antidepressant treatment in the elderly

Discontinuation of lithium augmentation in an elderly cohort

“…In general terms, the time of greatest risk for relapse and recurrence following remission of depression in old age appears to be two years (Flint, 1992). As with previous studies, we were unable to identify any demographic or non-pharmacological factors that would suggest which group of patients was more likely to relapse following discontinuation of lithium as augmentation therapy.…”

The clinical profile of older patients' response to antidepressants—an open trial of sertraline

“…Only a few have targeted community samples in the context of standardised treatments. They have usually identified optimum time-toresponse and associated predictive baseline variables (Georgotas et al, 1986;Georgotas and McCrue, 1989;Flint, 1992;Karp et al, 1993). The authors failed to find studies examining the prognostic validity of early symptomatic response.…”

Prescribing psychotropic drugs for the elderly

“…Response to treatment is often later than in younger patients (Flint, 1992;NIH, 1992). A minimum trial is six weeks, although a significant minority show response up to eight or nine weeks (NIH, 1992).…”

“…A minimum trial is six weeks, although a significant minority show response up to eight or nine weeks (NIH, 1992). The standard six months of continuation therapy after resolution of depressive symptoms is probably too short for elderly patients (Flint, 1992); a year is more realistic. The main risk period for recurrence and relapse is the first two years (Flint, 1992).…”