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

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 April 2020

W.M.A. Verhoeven ,
M.J. Veendrik-Meekes ,
G.A.J. Jacobs ,
Y.W.M.M. van den Berg  and
S. Tuinier
W.M.A. Verhoeven*
Affiliation:
Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Stationsweg 46, 5803 AC Venray, The Netherlands
M.J. Veendrik-Meekes
Affiliation:
Institute for Epilepsy Kempenhaeghe, Heeze, The Netherlands
G.A.J. Jacobs
Affiliation:
Institute for Mental Retardation “Saamvliet,” Gennep, The Netherlands
Y.W.M.M. van den Berg
Affiliation:
Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Stationsweg 46, 5803 AC Venray, The Netherlands
S. Tuinier
Affiliation:
Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Stationsweg 46, 5803 AC Venray, The Netherlands
*
*Correspondence and reprints.
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Abstract

The effect of citalopram was investigated in 20 mentally retarded patients suffering from a depressive disorder characterized by alterations in the domains of affectivity, motivation, motor activity and vital signs. The study followed a baseline-controlled open design. Citalopram was started in a daily 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 according to the Clinical Global Improvement Scale (CGIS) after at least 6 months.

In 12 of the 20 patients a moderate to marked improvement in all domains was observed upon treatment with 20–40 mg citalopram daily. Treatment for one year in the effective dose prevented recurrence of depressive symptomatology. Concomitant use of sedative anticonvulsants reduced responsiveness to treatment. No interactions were observed.

It is concluded that citalopram is a well-tolerated, safe and effective antidepressant in mentally retarded subjects with depressive disorders.

Keywords

citalopramdepressioninteractionsmental retardationself-injurious behaviourstereotypies
Type
Original article
Information
European Psychiatry , Volume 16 , Issue 2 , March 2001 , pp. 104 - 108
Copyright
Copyright © Éditions scientifiques et médicales Elsevier SAS 2001

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