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Effects of a Low Dose of Oral Ademetionine (SAMe) on Behaviour and Quality of Life in Elderly Patients with Mild Mood Disorders

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Abstract

Objective

Ademetionine (SAMe) is a naturally occurring substance with proven antidepressant activity. This study assessed the effects of a low dose of ademetionine on behaviour and quality of life in elderly patients with mild mood disorders.

Design and study participants

In this open-label study, 198 elderly outpatients who approached their general practitioners reporting a nonspecific mood deterioration received oral ademetionine l00mg twice daily for 2 months. Patients’ response to treatment was assessed using a Behavioural and Quality Of Life (BQOL) self-assessment questionnaire and a Patient Evaluation of Therapy questionnaire.

Results

Ademetionine significantly improved behaviour and quality of life over the 2-month treatment period (p < 0.001 vs baseline). Treatment compliance was high (97.3%) and no serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

Oral ademetionine l00mg twice daily is well tolerated and may improve behaviour and quality of life in elderly patients with mild mood disorders.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by a grant from BioResearch SA, San Antonino, Switzerland, which also provided the study medication.

The following investigators participated in the study: R. Bardelli, Balerna, Switzerland; S. Bernasconi Coduri, Mendrisio, Switzerland; P. Bettelini-Lura, Riva S. Vitale, Switzerland; L. Binaghi, Coldrerio, Switzerland; M. Casartelli, Balerna, Switzerland; G. Ceracchini, Chiasso, Switzerland; R. Di Stefano, Pregassona, Switzerland; C. Folatti, Massagno, Switzerland; F. Fransioli, Airolo, Switzerland; G. Frey, Breganzona, Switzerland; M.E. Fritz, Castel S. Pietro, Switzerland; B. Galli, Losone, Switzerland; L. Genini, Paradiso, Switzerland; L. Heitmann, Chiasso, Switzerland; V. Manzocchi, Arzo, Switzerland; C. Poloni, Lugano, Switzerland; N. Realini, Chiasso, Switzerland; A. Rusca, Arzo, Switzerland. The author thanks Carlo Di Padova and Gabrielle Boissard for critical input, and Giovanna Bagnasco for editorial assistance.

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  1. III Clinica Psichiatrica, Università di Roma ‘La Sapienza’, Viale dell’Università 30, 00185, Roma, Italy

    Paolo Pancheri

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  1. Paolo Pancheri
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Pancheri, P. Effects of a Low Dose of Oral Ademetionine (SAMe) on Behaviour and Quality of Life in Elderly Patients with Mild Mood Disorders. Clin. Drug Investig. 22, 321–327 (2002). https://doi.org/10.2165/00044011-200222050-00006

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