To evaluate the efficacy and safety of escitalopram in an open- label, 8 weeks study.

Twenty seven (27) elderly patients suffering from MDD, according to DSMIV, were included in the study (17 female/10 male, average age 76.3). All patients were treated with escitalopram (dose range 10-20 mg, mean daily dose 16.48 mg). The assessment of antidepressant efficacy was performed using 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD17) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Safety measures included adverse events, vital signs and body weight. All the evaluations were performed at baseline and at week 8.

Twenty five (25) patients concluded the study and two (2) patients discontinued treatment prematurely due to non-compliance. Escitalopram showed significant reduction in both HAMD-17 (-8.2) and GDS total score (-7.2). The percentage at endpoint of HAMD17 response was 44% and remission rates 24%. The most frequent adverse events were nausea in two patients (8%) and headache in four patients (16%). No significant changes were observed regarding vital signs. The mean body weight at baseline was 72.3 and at endpoint 73.1.

Escitalopram was well tolerated and efficacious in reducing symptoms of depression in elderly patients over the 8 week treatment period.