Antidepressants and the elderly: Double‐blind trials 1987‐1992

We reviewed all double‐blind antidepressant trials reported between 1987 and 1992 in samples of people aged 55 years or more with a primary diagnosis of major or clinical depression. There was an increase in the annual rate of trials conducted compared with the period from 1964 to 1986. About 27% of patients commencing trials withdrew prior to completion. Of those who completed, there was a general reduction of about 55% in scores on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. No differences in efficacy between drugs were found. Newer antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, appeared to have fewer side‐effects, but methodological shortcomings limited interpretation of the results. Recommendations for future research are proposed.