Saade YM, Nicol G, Lenze EJ, et al. - Researchers investigated how comorbid anxiety symptoms affect antidepressant treatment remission in older adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). In this multisite clinical trial, open-label protocolized treatment with venlafaxine extended-release titrated to a maximum of 300 mg daily was provided to 468 older adults aged 60 years or older with MDD. The Anxiety Sensitivity Index, the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) anxiety subscale, and the Penn State Worry Questionnaire were used to assess anxiety at baseline. The Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale and the 19-item Scale for Suicide Ideation were used to assess depressive symptoms and suicidality every 1–2 weeks to measure treatment response; anxiety assessment was done with the BSI. A parallel decrease in depressive, worry, and panic symptoms was observed in patients with high anxiety. Outcomes revealed a correlation of comorbid anxiety symptoms with the severity of depression and with suicidality in older adults with MDD, however, these symptoms do not influence antidepressant remission or time to remission.