P0030 - Treatment of melancholy with Duloxetine

Abstract

We have administered a dosage of 120 mg a day of duloxetine to 11 patients diagnosed with melancholy. On these patients, we studied sociodemographical and clinical variables, previous episodes and records, former response to treatment and adherence. They were evaluated at the beginning and then 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after commencing the treatment. The therapeutical response was measured using the Hamilton scale for depression (HDRS). Other items observed were the side-effects and adherence. As an additional medication we used benzodiacepines (anxiolytics and hypnotics). The group's average at the HDRS was 46 points.

After 30 days there was an improvement on 9 patients (82%), with a HDRS average score of 30 points. After 90 days there was an improvement on 10 patients (91%), and the HRDS average score was 14. After 120 days the HRDS average score of those 10 patients was 8 points.

One of the patients had no response and the treatment had to be reinforced. Only two of them had side-effects, like nausea, constipation, tremulousness and restlessness. We believe that duloxetine is one of the first choices as a treatment for melancholy.