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. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that escitalopram is an efficacious and altogether safe treatment for seasonal depression.
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 SADpatients 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. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that escitalopram is an efficacious and altogether safe treatment for seasonal depression.
Authors: Barbara Nussbaumer-Streit; Kylie Thaler; Andrea Chapman; Thomas Probst; Dietmar Winkler; Andreas Sönnichsen; Bradley N Gaynes; Gerald Gartlehner Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2021-03-04
Authors: Arshad Hussain; Majid Shafi Shah; Fazl E Roub; Mansoor Ahmad Dar; Zaid Ahmad Wani; Mohd Muzzaffar Jan; Rayees Ahmad Wani; Tariq Ahmad Bhat Journal: Indian J Psychol Med Date: 2015 Jul-Sep