First experiences in combination therapy using olanzapine with SSRIs (citalopram, paroxetine) in delusional depression.
In an open prospective study, 26 patients with delusional depression (mood-congruent psychotic features: DSM-IV 296.4) were treated over 5 weeks with a combination of SSRI (citalopram, n = 22, or paroxetine, n = 4) and the neuroleptic olanzapine. The course of therapy was evaluated with the Hamilton depression scale (HAMD). Not only the total HAMD score, but also the subscores for affectivity and delusional symptoms decreased significantly. After the end of the 5-week combination therapy, 18 out of 26 patients (69%) could be discharged as responders to outpatient treatment. The course of treatment was characterized by excellent tolerance.
König
F
F
Department of Psychiatry I, University of Ulm, Ravensburg, Germany. christoph.vonhippel@zfp-weissenau.de
von  Hippel
C
C
Petersdorff
T
T
Neuhöffer-Weiss
M
M
Wolfersdorf
M
M
Kaschka
W P
WP
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D015283:Citalopram / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003702:Delusions / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000077152:Olanzapine; D017374:Paroxetine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010351:Patient Discharge; D010890:Pirenzepine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D015283:Citalopram; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D010890:Pirenzepine; D017374:Paroxetine; D000077152:Olanzapine