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In a frail older adult with depression unresponsive to two SSRI trials, what's your next step in management?

2 Answers
Mednet Member
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Psychiatry · Stanford University School of Medicine
Answered on

This is certainly a longer and nuanced conversation.

Depends on the intensity of symptoms. Ensuring the diagnosis is accurate, reviewing the role of co-morbid cognitive disorders, organic issues masquerading as depression, and so on. Augmentation of an SSRI, e.g., mirtazapine, stimulating medication...

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Mednet Member
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Psychiatry · Christiana Psychiatric Services
Answered on

If 2 SSRIs didn’t work, a third is unlikely. Best to switch, after ruling out an occult bipolar disorder or other medical reasons for the depression (thyroid, other abnormal labs, occult malignancy presenting with depression, CNS event, etc.), switch to a different class. If not sleeping, low-dose m...

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