The Necessity of Bone Densitometry for Patients Taking Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To analyze the necessity of bone densitometry for patients long-term taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) over a long period of time, which is one of the risk factors of osteoporosis. METHODS: We selected patients from 5 veterans hospitals who took SSRI for more than 2 months while taking bone densitometry on a regular basis. RESULTS: Of the 85 patients from a total of 5 veterans hospitals taking SSRI for more than two months, only 34 patients were under diagnosis and treatment measures of osteoporosis through checking each person's bone mineral density. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary for patients taking SSRI to check bone density on a regular basis.