PREDICTORS OF ANTIDEPRESSANT RESPONSE IN DEPRESSED ALCOHOLIC PATIENTS

Sixty alcoholic patients with depressive disorders completed a 12-week , open-label trial of imipramine; 27 (45%) had a favorable response, d efined as substantial improvement in both mood and sobriety. The autho rs examine demographic and clinical predictors of response. Responders were less likely to be minorities, had Cower Hamilton Rating Scale fo r Depression scores, fewer maximum drinks per day at baseline, and wer e somewhat more likely to have panic disorder The authors discuss impl ications for the selection of alcoholic patients for antidepressant tr eatment.