Treatment of Bereavement-Related Major Depressive Episodes in Later Life: a Controlled Study of Acute and Continuation Treatment With Nortriptyline…

The authors tested the hypothesis that nortriptyline & interpersonal psychotherapy, alone & in combination, are superior to placebo in achieving remission of bereavement-related major depressive episodes. 80 patients, aged 50 years & older, with major depressive episodes that began within 6 months before or 12 months after the loss of a spouse or significant other were randomly assigned to a 16-week trial of 1 of 4 treatment conditions. Rates of suicide attempt & ideation among each group are provided. (36 refs)