Search

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and tolerability of escitalopram in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). Method: One hundred and forty-five patients with ESRD were screened with Zung depression scale. The patients with Zung SDS measurements of 50% or above went through a psychiatric examination. Among the interviewed patients the ones, diagnosed with MDD based on DSM-IV and consented to participate in the study, were included. Those with any other comorbid axis I or II disorders and patients taking any psychotropic medications were excluded. The patients were randomly assigned to treatment with escitalopram or placebo. Clinical assessments were made by using Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A), and UKU Side Effects Rating Scale (UKU) at baseline and at 2nd , 4th and 8th weeks of treatment. Results: Seventy of 145 patients had SDS measurements of 50% or above. Of the 70 patients interviewed, 67 fullfilled the criteria for MDD according to DSM-IV. Five patients did not accept to participate, so 62 patients were included in the study. A total of 58 patients, 30 in the escitalopram group and 28 in the placebo group, completed the study. Patients taking escitalopram treatment showed a significantly greater reduction on HRSD scores compared to patients taking placebo. Likewise, side effect profile and severity with escitalopram were considered tolerable when compared with placebo. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that escitalopram may be used effectively and with good tolerability in the treatment of MDD in patients with ESRD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]