Increased use of antidepressants at the end of life: population-based study among people aged 65 years and above

• DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afm056
• Publication Date: 2007-05-31T00:14:24Z
• Authors: D. G. Hansen; J.-U. Rosholm; A. Gichangi; W. Vach
• Keywords: Age groups

The new antidepressants are generally effective and safe for older people, but may have serious side-effects. use has been rapidly increasing, focus on upper age groups limited. pattern of antidepressant as death approaches never analysed.To analyse the among individuals aged 65 years above with respect to time trends, proximity death.Population-based prescription study.The County Funen, Denmark, 1992-2004 (approximately 470,000 inhabitants).The 1-year prevalence increases steadily over in all groups. Among 65+ year-olds it also differs substantially between youngest oldest. Very high prevalences observed: 26.8% females 85-89 old 17.5% males 85 2004. In last 3 life. phase life is independent whether patient dies at or 90 about 33% 25% receive 6 months.The very levels. Future studies clarify problems diagnoses giving rise such a large proportion especially treatment approaches.