Target symptoms for fluvoxamine in old age depression

INTRODUCTION: Old age depression is difficult to treat. It is presumed that the underlying biochemical mechanism differs from that of depression of yo unger age. Clinical manifestations also differ, as elderly people manifest move irritability, anxiety, conduct and cognitive disorders than pessimism or guilt. Response to treatment is believed to be poorer than in younger pa tients. METHOD: Fifty patients, with a mean age of 66.65, suffering from major depr ession or dysthymia according to DSM-IV criteria, took part in the study. T heir mean HDRS score was 16.77. they were prescribed 100 mg of fluvoxamine daily. Half of them returned 3 months later for reassessment by GDS, HDRS, MMSE, CAMCOG and FRSSD. RESULTS: Mean changes in scores were: GDS, -3.17 +/ - 4.06; HDRS, -3.14 +/- 10.86; MMSE, -0.96 +/- 3.34; CAMCOG, +1.59 +/- 8.95 ; and FRSSD -3 +/- 4.96; statistically significant differences were found f or GDS and FRSSD scorns. All patients manifested residual symptoms. CONCLUS ION: Fluvoxamine improved elderly patients suffering from Greece geriatric depression, particularly in respect of depressive thought content (GDS) and impairment in everyday activities (FRSSD). When cognitive impairment due t o depression was present, response to treatment was Severely depressed pati ents showed a greater response to treatment, but also move severe residual symptoms.