[Clinical double blind comparison of diclofensine and placebo in geriatric patients with depressive syndromes]

Abstract

The objective of this double-blind trial was to assess the effect of diclofensine on geriatric patients with depressive syndromes in comparison to placebo. 40 patients (age 60-75 years) were treated for 3 weeks with a mean daily dose of 57.5 mg diclofensine or placebo. Diclofensine was found effective in 18 (= 90%) cases (placebo 60%) after 2.9 days on an average (placebo, 4.2 days), mostly having a mood elevating effect and in only 2 cases (placebo 1) having a stimulatory effect. The results of the global assessments, the Hamilton depression scale, the d2-test, the block design test and the mood scale (Befindlichkeitsskala) demonstrated a statistically significant superiority of diclofensine over placebo. The critical flicker frequency, on the other hand, was not able to differentiate significantly between the two drugs. The tolerance was considered as very good in all cases. Unwanted effects were observed in 13 patients (= 65%) of the diclofensine group and in 9 patients (= 45%) of the placebo group. They disappeared in most cases within one week after their appearance. According to this trial diclofensine can be described as a well tolerated drug without pronounced anticholinergic side effects, capable of improving depressive states faster and more effectively than placebo.