Open trial of fluoxetine in children and adolescents with dysthymic disorder or double depression

Background: Chronic depressions commonly present in youth and cause signifi cant morbidity. No treatment studies in this age group are currently availa ble. Methods: 19 pediatric subjects with dysthymic disorder or 'double depr ession' were recruited. After four weeks of psychosocial treatment, subject s failing to improve began open treatment with fluoxetine (20 mg)for eight weeks. Subjects were then reassessed for treatment response. Results: Fifte en subjects entered the medication phase, and eleven (73%) no longer met cr iteria for dysthymic disorder or Major Depression at final assessment. Conc lusions: Fluoxetine shows promise as a safe and effective treatment for you th with chronic depressions. Controlled trials are indicated. Limitations: Open label design, no comparison treatment condition. Clinical Relevance: A s in adults, treatment with antidepressants may prove to be a useful interv ention with children and adolescents with chronic forms of depression. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science BN. All rights reserved.