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

Abstract

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