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An evaluation of continuation therapy with tricyclic antidepressants in depressive illness1

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

R. H. S. Mindham ,
C. Howland  and
Michael Shepherd
R. H. S. Mindham
Affiliation:
From the Institute of Psychiatry, London
C. Howland
Affiliation:
Medical Research Council Statistical Research and Services Unit, London
Michael Shepherd
Affiliation:
University College Hospital Medical School, London
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Synopsis

A double-blind clinical trial has been carried out to ascertain whether patients making a good recovery from depressive illness with tricyclic antidepressant medication derive any benefit from continuation of therapy with the same drug at a lower dose level. Of the 92 patients who entered the trial significantly fewer on active treatment relapsed during the six-month trial period: 22% as compared with 50% of patients receiving placebo. Patients with residual symptoms on entry to the trial derived more benefit from continuation therapy than patients who had made a complete recovery. The findings relate to a six-month trial period only, and any possible advantage of continuation therapy over a longer period remains uncertain.

Type
Research Article
Information
Psychological Medicine , Volume 3 , Issue 1 , February 1973 , pp. 5 - 17
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1973

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