A new study has found that nursing home residents are five times more likely to fall in the two days immediately following a change in their prescribed dosage of non-SSRI antidepressants. This class of antidepressants includes drugs such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), trazodone (Desyrel) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
The researchers theorized that this increase in falls could be caused by acute cognitive or motor effects that are tied to the medications. Certain non-SSRI antidepressants can also cause a dramatic decrease in blood pressure when a person goes from sitting to standing, which could also be a factor.
The study was conducted by researchers from the Institute for Aging Research of Hebrew SeniorLife.
To learn more, click here.
Showing posts with label Depression. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Depression. Show all posts
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
Study: Combining Tai Chi, Antidepressants Can Help Manage Depression
A new study out of UCLA found that combining tai chi and an antidepressant can help seniors successfully manage late-life depression.
During the study, researchers worked with a group of seniors who were taking the antidepressant Lexapro. Seniors who saw an improvement in their depression while taking the drug were then either assigned to 10 weeks of tai chi therapy for two hours per week or to 10 weeks of health education classes for two hours per week.
Ninety-four percent of the seniors who were in the tai chi group achieved scores that were consistent with improved depression symptoms and 65 percent experienced remission. In the health education group, only 77 percent had improved symptoms and 51 percent went into remission.
Approximately 50 percent of long-term care residents suffer from depression, which is linked to greater morbidity, disability, mortality and increased cost of care.
To learn more, click here.
During the study, researchers worked with a group of seniors who were taking the antidepressant Lexapro. Seniors who saw an improvement in their depression while taking the drug were then either assigned to 10 weeks of tai chi therapy for two hours per week or to 10 weeks of health education classes for two hours per week.
Ninety-four percent of the seniors who were in the tai chi group achieved scores that were consistent with improved depression symptoms and 65 percent experienced remission. In the health education group, only 77 percent had improved symptoms and 51 percent went into remission.
Approximately 50 percent of long-term care residents suffer from depression, which is linked to greater morbidity, disability, mortality and increased cost of care.
To learn more, click here.
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