[Pirasidol treatment of depression in elderly patients with somatic diseases].

AIM

To study efficacy and tolerance of pirasidol in elderly patients with somatic diseases and depression.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was made in 30 patients over 55 years of age with a mild or moderate depressive episode. The efficacy of a 6 week treatment with pirasidol was assessed by somatic examination, Hamilton depressive scale (17 points), General Clinical Impression Scale, 5-score subjective state scale.

RESULTS

Pirasidol treatment led to a 36% decrease in intake of drugs. The patients took much lower doses of non-narcotic analgetics, nitroglycerine, tranquilizers, enzymatic medicines. The highest efficacy was seen in patients with exacerbation of somatic diseases which reduced faster in addition of pirasidol to somatotropic therapy. Pirasidol is well tolerated, no interaction with other drugs was found.

CONCLUSION

The antidepressant pirasidol showed efficacy against depression in elderly patients with somatic pathology. It can be recommended as a drug of choice for treatment of depression in elderly patients with somatic diseases.