[The possibility of using standardized self-report anxiety and depression scales in elderly patients: Depression scales/questionnaires in elderly].

Aim: To study possibilities of using depression scales in elderly patients, evaluate the parameters of their reliability and validity and develop practical recommendations on the use of these scales in clinical practice.

Material And Methods: The study included 234 patients, aged over 50 years, with anxious depression. The following scales/questionnaires BDI, GDS-15, CES-D-10, CES-D-20, ZDS and HADS-D were used at baseline and 12 weeks after treatment.

[The association between the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene and the efficacy and tolerability of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors].

Objective: To search for the association between the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene and the efficacy and tolerability of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Material And Methods: The complex clinical/psychopathological and genetic study of 38 patients with depression treated with SSRIs was carried out.

Results And Conclusion: The 5-HTTLPR polymorphism was associated with the rate of achievement of remission and tolerability of treatment: carriers of the SS genotype achieved remission less frequently and more frequently experienced side-effects.

[Venlafaxine in the treatment of moderate and severe depressions: the ways to increase treatment efficacy].

Objective: To find factors influencing the efficacy of venlafaxine in moderate and severe depressions.

Material And Methods: An observational study was carried out in real clinical practice. We examined 62 patients with depression, 21 men and 41 women, aged from 19 to 61 years, treated with venlafaxine.