THE EFFECT OF TREATMENT ON THE 2-YEAR COURSE OF LATE-LIFE DEPRESSION

Background The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of trea tment on the long-term course of geriatric depression. Method Eighty-f our elderly patients who had responded to treatment of the index episo de of major depression were maintained on Full-dose antidepressant med ication and followed on a monthly basis for two years. Relapse and rec urrence were treated in a systematic manner. Results The cumulative pr obability of surviving for two years without relapse or recurrence was 74%. Of the 14 patients who suffered recurrence following recovery fr om the index episode, all responded to a change of treatment, and 71% remained well for the remainder of the study. The risk of recurrence w as significantly increased by a delayed response to treatment of the i ndex episode. Conclusions Continuation and maintenance treatment with hull-dose antidepressant medication, frequent follow-up, and vigorous treatment of relapses and recurrences, were associated with a good out come in this group of elderly patients.