Auxiliary effect of quetiapine on patients with treatment-resistant depression

Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of quetiapine augmentation of antidepressants on treatment-resitant depression. Method:Using the random control according to the order of hospitalization,58 patients with treatment-resistant depression were assigned to quetiapine group (quetiapine plus antidepressant) and control group (antidepressant alone).The study lasted for 6 weeks.The effects and side effects were assessed with Hamilton depression scale (HAMD),Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) and treatment emergent symptom scale (TESS) respectively at baseline,week 1,2,4 and 6. Results:The total scores of HAMD and HAMA were significantly decreased after treatment in two groups (P0.05 or P0.001).The quetiapine group had more HAMD from week one as well as HAMA from week four rate of decreation than the control group (P0.01 or P0.001).There was no significant difference of TESS scores between two groups at each week (P0.05). Conclusion:Quetiapine can be effective and safe in adjunctive treatment of patients with treatment-resistant depression