Citalopram in mentally retarded patients with depression: a long-term clinical investigation

Citation
Wma. Verhoeven et al., Citalopram in mentally retarded patients with depression: a long-term clinical investigation, EUR PSYCHIA, 16(2), 2001, pp. 104-108
Citations number
27
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Psychiatry,"Clinical Psycology & Psychiatry
Journal title
EUROPEAN PSYCHIATRY
ISSN journal
0924-9338 → ACNP
Volume
16
Issue
2
Year of publication
2001
Pages
104 - 108
Database
ISI
SICI code
0924-9338(200103)16:2<104:CIMRPW>2.0.ZU;2-R
Abstract
The effect of citalopram was investigated in 20 mentally retarded patients suffering from a depressive disorder characterized by alterations in the do mains of affectivity, motivation, motor activity and vital signs. The study followed a baseline-controlled open design. Citalopram was started in a da ily dosage of 20 mg that was kept unchanged for 6 weeks. Thereafter dosage was adjusted to maximally 60 mg per day. Treatment effects were assessed ac cording to the Clinical Global Improvement Scale (CGIS) after at least 6 mo nths. In 12 of the 20 patients a moderate to marked improvement in all domains wa s observed upon treatment with 20-40 mg citalopram daily. Treatment for one year in the effective dose prevented recurrence of depressive symptomatolo gy. Concomitant use of sedative anticonvulsants reduced responsiveness to t reatment. No interactions were observed. It is concluded that citalopram is a well-tolerated, safe and effective antidepressant in mentally retarded s ubjects with depressive disorders. (C) 2001 Editions scientifiques et medic ales Elsevier SAS.