Efficacy and tolerability of antidepressants in the treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, a literature review of evidence

The objective of this review is to summarize the current data on the use of antidepressants in the treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and to determine whether these medications can be recommended for routine clinical use. A literature search of six major databases (PubMed, Medline, PsychINFO, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane collaboration) trials, 8 using a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) compound and 3 using trazodone showed benefit in the treatment of BPSD. The antidepressant drug was well tolerated in at least 14 of the 19 trials with information about tolerability in one trial not provided in the study (paroxetine or placebo for FTD). This review indicates that antidepressants can be an effective in the treatment of BPSD and are generally well tolerated in elderly demented patients.