Double-blind controlled trial of sertraline versus paroxetine in the treatment of delusional depression

Abstract

Objective: In this study the authors evaluated the efficacy and the tolerability of sertraline and paroxetine in the treatment of delusional depression.

Method: Under double-blind conditions, 46 hospitalized patients who met the DSM-III-R criteria for major depression with psychotic features were treated with sertraline or paroxetine for 6 weeks.

Results: The response rates were 75% and 46% for sertraline and paroxetine, respectively. The dropout rate was substantial (41%) in the paroxetine group and was attributable to side effects.

Conclusions: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors administered alone are useful in the treatment of delusional depression.