Experimental comparison between the effect of standardized trazodone-amitriptyline and placebo treatment in vitalized depressive patients.

We are performing a double-blind trial with inward psychiatric patients. The indication for our psychotropic or psychotherapeutic intervention is mainly severe depression (= major depressive disorders DSM III). For a 3-week trial course trazodone (400 mg daily), amitriptyline (150 mg/die) or placebo capsules were given at random. All patients received the same type of cognitive behaviour therapy. The test battery consists of CGI, BPRS, HAMD, HAMA and AMDP; adverse drug reactions are documented as "free reports" (= freier Nebenwirkungsbericht). The interim results (until March 1987) will be presented. Our investigation indicates that it is probable that the trazodone treatment we used is equivalent to corresponding amitriptyline treatment.