A comparison of paroxetine and amisulpride in the treatment of dysthymic disorder.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to provide preliminary data on the effects of paroxetine and amisulpride on depressive dimensions, analyzed by factor analysis, in dysthymic patients.

METHODS

One hundred and eighteen patients with DSM IV criteria for DD without concurrent major depression were enrolled in this 8-week, open study, and 100 completed it. Symptom dimensions were identified by principal components analysis with the SAS Factor procedure.

RESULTS

Results of the symptom rating scales indicated that both drugs were equally effective. Response rate was 65% both in the paroxetine and the amisulpride group and the proportions of patients achieving a final HRSD score < or =7 were 46.7 and 55%, respectively. MADRS factor analysis identified two factors at baseline: the first corresponding to the global severity of depression and the second to somatic symptoms. After 8 weeks of treatment only one factor could be substantiated. At week 4 both paroxetine and amisulpride produced significant improvements on factor 1 while at week 8 mean changes of factor 1 were greater in the amisulpride-treated patients.

LIMITATIONS

The main limitation was the open-label design.

CONCLUSIONS

Both paroxetine and amisulpride appear to be effective in the short-term management of DD, improving its most characteristic symptoms.