Efficacy and tolerability of antidepressants in the treatment of behavioral and
psychological symptoms of dementia, a literature review of evidence.
Author(s): Henry G, Williamson D, Tampi RR.
Affiliation(s): Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
06511, USA.
Publication date & source: 2011, Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. , 26(3):169-83
The objective of this review is to summarize the current data on the use of
antidepressants in the treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms of
dementia (BPSD) and to determine whether these medications can be recommended for
routine clinical use. A literature search of six major databases (PubMed,
Medline, PsychINFO, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane collaboration) trials, 8
using a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) compound and 3 using
trazodone showed benefit in the treatment of BPSD. The antidepressant drug was
well tolerated in at least 14 of the 19 trials with information about
tolerability in one trial not provided in the study (paroxetine or placebo for
FTD). This review indicates that antidepressants can be an effective in the
treatment of BPSD and are generally well tolerated in elderly demented patients.
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