Abstract |
An algorithm for transcribing Research Diagnostic Criteria diagnoses for depressive disorders to similar categories in the DSM-III was applied to 103 depressed outpatients previously diagnosed by Research Diagnostic Criteria. All had Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores of 18 or less. Among 64 patients completing a six-week, double-blind study comparing desipramine hydrochloride with placebo, desipramine was significantly more effective than placebo in patients with DSM-III major depression but not in those with dysthymic disorder. Among patients with major depression, a significant drug-placebo response difference was demonstrated even in those without melancholia. These findings support the clinical usefulness of the DSM-III in the treatment of depressed outpatients. Independent of DSM-III diagnosis, however, evidence of panic attacks seemed to identify patients who benefited from desipramine therapy. This suggests that the DSM-III hierarchy, which excludes consideration of panic in patients with major depression, may require revision.
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Authors | J W Stewart, P J McGrath, M R Liebowitz, W Harrison, F Quitkin, J G Rabkin |
Journal | Archives of general psychiatry
(Arch Gen Psychiatry)
Vol. 42
Issue 12
Pg. 1148-53
(Dec 1985)
ISSN: 0003-990X [Print] United States |
PMID | 3907579
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Anxiety Disorders
(drug therapy)
- Bipolar Disorder
(drug therapy)
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Depressive Disorder
(classification, diagnosis, drug therapy)
- Desipramine
(therapeutic use)
- Double-Blind Method
- Humans
- Panic
- Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
- Random Allocation
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