This study compares a cohort of hospitalized geriatric patients with major depression, treated with tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), with a cohort of patients treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The groups were compared on demographic, treatment, and outcome variables. Demographically, the groups were similar and did not differ on measures of outcome or risk for side effects. We conclude that SSRIs are equal to TCAs in the treatment of major depression in hospitalized geriatric patients.
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