Abstract

Background: Antidepressant related movement disorders have been reported in individuals who are ≤ 65 years in age, but a review of such cases in individuals who are ≥ 65 years from medical literature has not yet been conducted.

Objectives: To review case reports of antidepressant related movement disorders in individuals who are ≥ 65 years in age from medical literature.

Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Medline, PsychINFO, Embase and Cochrane Library was conducted through January, 31, 2014 for case reports of antidepressant related movement disorders in the elderly.

Results: A total of 40 reports (43 individual cases) of movement disorders related to antidepressant use in the elderly were identified. The most common movement disorders noted in these cases were dyskinesias, myoclonus and Parkinsonism. Approximately 80% of the cases occurred in women. About 40% of the cases involved Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), with paroxetine being the most commonly noted drug in this class with a total of six cases. Discontinuation of the antidepressant resulted in a resolution of the abnormal movements in a majority of the cases.

Conclusions: Antidepressant related movement disorders are uncommon among older adults.

Keywords: Antidepressants, case reports, elderly, movement disorders, Naranjo scale, systematic review.

Graphical Abstract