Older community residents with depression: long-term treatment with sertraline - Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Background Despite a growing use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in older people, only one trial has examined their prophylactic efficacy in people aged 65 years and over. Aims To examine the efficacy of sertraline in preventing the recurrence of depression in older people living in the community Method Participants were openly treated with sertraline and then randomised into a double-blind, placebo-controlled continuation/maintenance study of about 2 years duration. Drug dosage was maintained at levels that achieved remission. Results No significant difference between the sertraline and placebo groups was found in the proportion of recurrences (- 7.9%; 95% Cl -28.06 to 12.23). Increased age and minor residual symptoms during the continuation phase were associated with recurrence. Conclusions Sertraline at therapeutic dosage does not provide significant protection against recurrence.