A comparative study of escitalopram in the treatment of geriatric depression

Objective To explore the efficacy and side effects of escitalopram in treatment of geriatric depression.Methods 72 elderly patients who met CCMD-3 criterion for depression were randomly assigned to escitalopram group(n=36)and citalopram group(n=36)for treatmentment of 12 weeks.The clinical efficacy was evaluated by HAMD and CGI and the side effects were evaluated by TESS after 2,4,8,12 weeks treatment.Results The rates of decreased scores in HAMD between two group in end of 12th week were(49.06±19.99),(28.88±16.75).There were significant differences between two groups(P0.01).The rates of decreased scores in CGI between two groups in end of 12th week were(2.02±1.00)of escitalopram group(3.01±1.12)of citalopram group.There were significant differences between two groups(P0.01)also.There were no significant differences in scores of TESS for side effects between two groups(P0.05).Conclusion Escitalopram is effective in the treatment of geriatric depression and fewer side effects.