Comparing outcomes of adjunctive treatment in depression: aripiprazole versus bupropion.
BACKGROUND
Adjunctive therapy in depression is often used in patients with an inadequate response to antidepressant therapy.


METHODS
Utilizing a chart review from a private, outpatient psychiatric clinic, patients with adjunctive medication added to their antidepressant were reviewed. Demographic information, diagnoses, medication history, and QIDS SR16 depression scores were collected and recorded at each visit and entered into a database.


RESULTS
Significant reductions were observed in the QIDS score of aripiprazole (n=70) and bupropion (n=83) patients after the first visit. At the first visit, 70% of aripiprazole patients had lower QIDS score compared to baseline visit, with 17% achieving remission, whereas 66% of bupropion users had lower scores at the first visit compared to baseline visit, with 23% achieving remission. At the end of the observation period 50% of patients on aripiprazole achieved remission compared to 33% of bupropion patients. Both groups of patients had significant reductions in their QIDS symptom scores of sadness, concentration, and general interest. In addition, aripiprazole patients had a decrease in the thoughts of death and suicide score while bupropion patients had decreases in the low energy score. None of the differences in QIDS line-item scores between aripiprazole and bupropion patients were statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
This study was a small scale, retrospective study that did not have a placebo control group.


CONCLUSIONS
Aripiprazole and bupropion were comparable in significantly lowering patients' QIDS SR16 scores and helping over 50% of the patients achieve remission. Differences in line-item QIDS score were also observed.
Nasr Psychiatric Services, Michigan City, IN, United States; Indiana University, Department of Psychiatry, Michigan City, IN, United States; University of Notre Dame, Department of Psychology, Notre Dame, IN, United States; Memorial Epworth Center, South Bend, IN 46617, United States. Electronic address: nasrsych@sbclobal.net.
Suhayl
S
Nasr
Nasr Psychiatric Services, Michigan City, IN, United States.
Burdette
B
Wendt
Nasr Psychiatric Services, Michigan City, IN, United States; Indiana University, Department of Psychiatry, Michigan City, IN, United States.
Anand
A
Popli
Nasr Psychiatric Services, Michigan City, IN, United States.
John
J
Crayton
D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068180:Aripiprazole; D016642:Bupropion / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010879:Piperazines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015363:Quinolones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D010879:Piperazines; D015363:Quinolones; D016642:Bupropion; D000068180:Aripiprazole
Adjunctive treatment; Aripiprazole; Bupropion; Depression