ABSTRACT
Objective:
We have tested the relapse-preventive effect of citalopram when compared with
placebo in 282 patients with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) responding to 1
week of light therapy.
Method:
The response rate to 1-week light therapy and relapse during the
continuation phase of 15 weeks were assessed by use of the Hamilton Depression
Rating Scale (HAM-D17), the six-item subscale (HAM-D6), the Melancholia Scale
(MES), and the combined HAM-D/SIGH-SAD.
Results:
The response rate to light therapy was 62.5% on the HAM-D17 and the HAM-D6,
56.1% on the HAM-D/SIGH-SAD, 52.8% on the MES. In the continuation phase,
citalopram was found superior to placebo on all scales, but the difference was
only of statistical significance on the HAM-D6 and the MES. Mean citalopram
dose was 26.3 mg.
Conclusion:
Light therapy was found to have and early onset of action. On the HAM-D6
and the MES citalopram significantly reduced the relapse rate in the
continuation phase.