[Augmentation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) with atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of depression]

Abstract

The treatment of severe depression represents a difficult task in the daily psychiatric practice. In certain cases, augmentation therapies in order to improve the efficacy of SSRIs can be useful. Recently, it has become possible to use atypical antipsychotics for SSRI augmentation. This option adds to the existing strategies in the treatment of depression and primary systematic studies show encouraging results. In this review, the possibility of a SSRI augmentation by additionally administering risperidone or olanzapine is critically discussed.