Antidepressant prescription pattern in a hospice program

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Prevalence of treatable depression is as high as 25% among terminally ill patients. The incidence of antidepressant use was ascertained at the Mayo Hospice Program in Rochester, Minnesota, from June 1, 2007, to December 31, 2008. The 18-month cumulative probability to receive an antidepressant during hospice was estimated at 11.7%. Depression and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were the most common clinical indication and class of antidepressant, respectively. Survival was the main predictor to receive an antidepressant with an odds ratio of 2.71 (95%CI: 1.60-4.60) for each additional day in hospice. Proper diagnostic tools for this population, education about the benefits of antidepressants in palliative care, and clear guidelines about antidepressant class and dosages are needed. © The Author(s) 2011.

Publication Date

5-1-2011

Publication Title

American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine

ISSN

10499091

Volume

28

Issue

3

First Page

193

Last Page

197

PubMed ID

21051782

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1177/1049909110385539

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