Abstract | BACKGROUND: METHOD: Twenty-three elderly outpatients with dysthymic disorder (DSM-III-R criteria) entered a 13-week study of fluoxetine (2-week placebo run-in period and 11 weeks of fluoxetine treatment with a dose range of 20-60 mg/day). Ratings to assess clinical response included the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), the Clinic Global Impression (CGI), and the Cornell Dysthymia Rating Scale (CDRS). RESULTS: Nine patients (39%) had never received psychiatric treatment during the index episode, despite a long duration of illness (mean +/- SD = 18.5 +/- 17.1 years). Twenty of the 23 patients completed the entire study. The mean +/- SD HAM-D (24-item) score decreased from 14.6 +/- 3.7 to 7.9 +/- 5.0 during the trial, and the CDRS score decreased from 28.1 +/- 9.1 to 15.7 +/- 10.0. When response criteria of a 50% reduction from baseline in the HAM-D score, final HAM-D score < or = 8, and a CGI score of 1 or 2 (very much or much improved) were used, 12 (60%) of the completers were responders. Side effects were uncommon, and the fluoxetine was generally well tolerated. CONCLUSION: These preliminary findings suggest that fluoxetine is an effective treatment in elderly patients with dysthymic disorder. Double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are warranted.
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Authors | M S Nobler, D P Devanand, M K Kim, L M Fitzsimons, T M Singer, N Turret, H A Sackeim, S P Roose |
Journal | The Journal of clinical psychiatry
(J Clin Psychiatry)
Vol. 57
Issue 6
Pg. 254-6
(Jun 1996)
ISSN: 0160-6689 [Print] United States |
PMID | 8666563
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adult
- Age Factors
- Age of Onset
- Aged
- Depression
(drug therapy, psychology)
- Depressive Disorder
(drug therapy, psychology)
- Female
- Fluoxetine
(therapeutic use)
- Humans
- Male
- Pilot Projects
- Placebos
- Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
- Treatment Outcome
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