Antidepressant Therapy in Older Adults: A Network Meta-Analysis

Sertraline seemed to strike the best balance between efficacy and tolerability.

In a recent meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials, researchers found antidepressant drugs — analyzed collectively — to be only minimally better than placebo in older patients (age, ≥60) with relatively recent-onset major depressive disorders (NEJM JW Gen Med Jul 15 2013 and Am J Psychiatry 2013; 170:651).

Now, another research team has performed a network meta-analysis of efficacy and safety of individual selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs and SNRIs) for patients with major depression in this age group. Network meta-analysis makes indirect comparisons between drugs that have not been compared directly in head-to-head trials. The analysis included 15 randomized tria…

Reviewing Authors

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Peter Roy-Byrne, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Peter Roy-Byrne, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Antidepressant Therapy in Older Adults: A Network Meta-Analysis

Topics

Reviewing Authors