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

Abstract

In this study the authors evaluated the efficacy and the tolerability of sertraline and paroxetine in the treatment of delusional depression. 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. 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. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors administered alone are useful in the treatment of delusional depression.