Treatment of Bereavement-Related Major Depressive Episodes in Later Life: A Controlled Study of Acute and Continuation Treatment With Nortriptyline and Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Abstract

Nortriptyline was superior to placebo in achieving remission of bereavement-related major depressive episodes. The combination of medication and psychotherapy was associated with the highest rate of treatment completion. These results support the use of pharmacologic treatment of major depressive episodes in the wake of a serious life stressor such as bereavement.