The treatment of psychotic depression.
Psychotic depression is marked by increased severity, longer episodes, greater incapacity, and a lower likelihood of placebo response. Psychotic features often recur in subsequent episodes and interepisode intervals are shorter when psychotic features have been previously present. Among the treatment options for psychotic depression, electroconvulsive therapy is particularly effective. Conventional pharmacotherapy consists of tricyclic antidepressants combined with antipsychotics; recovery with tricyclic antidepressant monotherapy is less likely. Serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors may prove useful but the relevant literature is scant. Pharmacokinetic interactions are likely in combination treatment, as are side effects that may mimic the underlying condition. Little is known regarding the importance of antipsychotics to maintenance therapy.
Coryell
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Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City 52242, USA.
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003702:Delusions / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D006212:Hallucinations / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents