DEXAMETHASONE AUGMENTATION IN TREATMENT-RESISTANT DEPRESSION

A total of 10 patients who fulfilled DSM-III-R criteria for major depr ession were recruited to the study, each of whom had failed to respond to a 6-week course of treatment with either sertraline or fluoxetine. Each subject had baseline serum cortisol measurements together with a Hamilton depression (HAMD) score. All patients were started on dexame thasone (3 mg daily) for 4 days, while remaining on their antidepressa nt treatment. Further Hamilton ratings were made on days 5 and 21. Six patients showed a significant improvement, whilst two showed a minima l response. A good clinical response was associated with a high baseli ne cortisol level.