Should thyroid augmentation precede lithium augmentation--a pilot study.
BACKGROUND
It has not been investigated whether thyroid augmentation should precede lithium augmentation or vice versa.


METHODS
In 22 outpatients with major depression not responsive to 4 weeks of antidepressant treatment, the effect of subsequent 4 weeks of thyroxine administration followed by 4 weeks of lithium augmentation was compared with the effect of the same treatments in reverse order.


RESULTS
The percentage reduction in MADRS score was significantly greater in patients who started on thyroxine.


CONCLUSIONS
Thyroxine augmentation should precede lithium augmentation.


CONCLUSIONS
We used relatively small doses of lithium.


CONCLUSIONS
Thyroxine is effective in augmenting antidepressant responses.
Spoov
J
J
University of Helsinki, Department of Psychiatry, Aleksi Medical Center, Finland.
Lahdelma
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004357:Drug Synergism; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013974:Thyroxine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D008094:Lithium; D013974:Thyroxine