Comparative study of citalopram combined with buspirone for treatment of refractory depression

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy and side effects of citalopram combined with buspirone for treating refractory depression. Method:Forty-two patients with refractory depression were randomly assigned to study group (citalopram combined with buspirone,n=22)and control group (single citalopram,n=20) for 6 weeks.Effects and side reactions were evaluated with Hamilton depression scale(HAMA),Hamilton anxiety scale(HAMD) and the treatment emergent symptoms scale (TESS) before and after the treatment. Results:HAMD and HAMA scores of the study group were significantly lower than those of the control group at the end of the 1,2,4 and 6 weeks treatment.The significant improvement rate was remarkably higher in the study group(72.7%)than in the control group (40%).No significant difference of TESS scores was found between two groups. Conclusion:Citalopram combined with buspirone to treat refractory depression has better efficacy and fewer adverse events,taking effect more quickly.