Wijkstra J, Burger H, van den Broek WW, Birkenhäger TK, Janzing JG, Boks MP, Bruijn JA, van der Loos ML, Breteler LM, Verkes RJ, Nolen WA
Long-term response to successful acute pharmacological treatment of psychotic depression. [JOURNAL ARTICLE]
J Affect Disord 2009 Oct 30.
BACKGROUND: Data about follow-up after acute pharmacological treatment of psychotic depression are scarce.
METHODS: A 4month open follow-up was done, preferentially with same medication as during acute treatment, of patients (n=59) with DSM-IV-TR major depressive disorder with psychotic features, aged 18 to 65years, who had completed as responders an acute double-blind 7week trial with imipramine, venlafaxine or venlafaxine plus quetiapine. Main outcome measures were Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and Clinical Global Impression Scale.
RESULTS: Six patients dropped out during the 4month follow-up. Almost all patients (86.4%; 51/59) remained responder while remission rate increased from 59.3% (35/59) to 86.8% (46/53), independent of treatment. Relapse rate was low (3.8%; 2/53). Tolerability was good. Weight increased with all treatments.
LIMITATIONS: Limitations were the limited sample size and consequent limited statistical power. The treatment during follow-up was not double-blind.
CONCLUSIONS: Continuation treatment with the same medication that was effective in the acute treatment trial, remained effective during the 4month follow-up in many patients leading to further improvement, and was well tolerated.
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