An open treatment trial of duloxetine in elderly patients with dysthymic disorder.

Objective: We evaluated the efficacy and side effects of the selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor antidepressant duloxetine in older adults with dysthymic disorder.

Methods: Patients ≥ 60 years old with dysthymic disorder received flexible dose duloxetine 20-120 mg daily in an open-label 12-week trial. The main outcomes were change from baseline to 12 weeks in 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores and Treatment Emergent Symptoms Scale scores.