Key result
SSRI use was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of remaining apathetic at discharge compared to non-SSRI antidepressants among depressed elderly patients (adjusted OR 1.90).
Why the study?
Does SSRI use associate with increased apathy in depressed elderly patients compared to non-SSRI antidepressants?
Population
384 elderly depressed patients who received antidepressants from a geriatric day hospital database
Comparison
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) vs Non-SSRI antidepressants
Design
Case-control
Follow-up
at discharge
Authors
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SSRI use was associated with apathy in depressed elderly; hypothesis-generating and should not yet change practice.
Case-Control (n=384)
No
Does SSRI use associate with increased apathy in depressed elderly patients compared to non-SSRI antidepressants?
Odds Ratio: 1.9 (95% CI 1.14–3.17)
Absolute Event Rate: 83.7% vs 73.4%
p-value: p=0.029
In elderly depressed patients, treatment with SSRIs is associated with a significantly higher likelihood of apathy at discharge compared to non-SSRI antidepressants.
Wongpakaran et al. (2007) conducted a case-control in Depression (n=384). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) vs. Non-SSRI antidepressants was evaluated on Apathy at discharge (assessed by GDS-apathy subscale) (adjusted OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.14-3.17, p=0.029). SSRI use was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of remaining apathetic at discharge compared to non-SSRI antidepressants among depressed elderly patients (adjusted OR 1.90).
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