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The effect of treatment on the two-year course of late-life depression

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2018

Alastair J. Flint  and
Sandra L. Rifat
Alastair J. Flint*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto and The Toronto Hospital 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Sandra L. Rifat
Affiliation:
Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
*
Dr Alastair J. Flint, The Toronto Hospital (General Division), 200 Elizabeth Street, 8 Eaton North, Room 238, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada. Fax: (416) 340-4198
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Abstract

Background

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of treatment on the long-term course of geriatric depression.

Method

Eighty-four elderly patients who had responded to treatment of the index episode of major depression were maintained on full-dose antidepressant medication and followed on a monthly basis for two years. Relapse and recurrence were treated in a systematic manner.

Results

The cumulative probability of surviving for two years without relapse or recurrence was 74%. Of the 14 patients who suffered recurrence following recovery from the index episode, all responded to a change of treatment, and 71% remained well for the remainder of the study. The risk of recurrence was significantly increased by a delayed response to treatment of the index episode.

Conclusions

Continuation and maintenance treatment with full-dose antidepressant medication, frequent follow-up, and vigorous treatment of relapses and recurrences, were associated with a good outcome in this group of elderly patients.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 170 , Issue 3 , March 1997 , pp. 268 - 272
Copyright
Copyright © 1997 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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