Citalopram augmentation of antipsychotic treatment in older schizophrenia patients.
BACKGROUND
Depressive symptoms are common in older patients with schizophrenia; yet, few studies have examined the usefulness of antidepressants in this population.


OBJECTIVE
We conducted a 10-week single-blind trial of citalopram (20-40 mg/day) vs no citalopram augmentation in 19 middle-aged and elderly patients with schizophrenia hospitalized for more than six of the last 12 months. At study-entry, the patients had been on stable doses of antipsychotics for at least two weeks, and had a 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating (HAM-D) scale score of 12 or greater. Nine patients were randomly assigned to citalopram augmentation, and 10 to no augmentation of antipsychotics.


RESULTS
Patients in both groups improved on positive and negative symptoms, but the citalopram group had significantly greater improvement in HAM-D and Clinical Global Impression Scale scores than the control group. There were no major side effects.


CONCLUSIONS
Larger double-blind studies are needed to follow up on these preliminary findings.
Kasckow
J W
JW
University of Cincinnati, USA.
Mohamed
S
S
Thallasinos
A
A
Carroll
B
B
Zisook
S
S
Jeste
D V
DV
D000368:Aged; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015283:Citalopram / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D015283:Citalopram