Escitalopram in seasonal affective disorder: results of an open trial.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of escitalopram in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder (SAD, fall-winter depression).


METHODS
Twenty SAD patients were included in an 8-week drug surveillance. Patients were treated with open-label escitalopram at a dosage of 10 to 20 mg per day. Efficacy assessments included the Structured Interview Guide for the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (SAD version; SIGH-SAD), the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) and the Social Adaptation Self Evaluation Scale (SASS). Side effects were monitored with the UKU Side Effect Rating Scale.


RESULTS
From week 2 onwards, escitalopram significantly reduced SIGH-SAD score and CGI severity score (p<0.001). From week 4 onwards, the SASS score was also significantly improved (p<0.05). The response rate (SIGH-SAD<50% of baseline value) after treatment for 8 weeks was 95%, the rate of remission (SIGH-SAD < or =7) was 85%. Side effects were mild to moderate and did not lead to cessation of therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that escitalopram is an efficacious and altogether safe treatment for seasonal depression.
Pjrek
E
E
Department of General Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. edda.pjrek@meduniwien.ac.at
Winkler
D
D
Stastny
J
J
Praschak-Rieder
N
N
Willeit
M
M
Kasper
S
S
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015283:Citalopram / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D016574:Seasonal Affective Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D015283:Citalopram