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Multicenter open-label sertraline study in adolescent outpatients with major depression
P J Ambrosini1, K D Wagner, J Biederman
1MCP-Hahnemann University, Eastern Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute, Philadelphia 19129, USA.
Summary
Sertraline treatment for adolescent major depressive disorder (MDD) showed early and sustained improvement over 22 weeks. Response rates varied by scale, but the drug was well-tolerated without inducing mania.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Background:
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a significant mental health concern in adolescents.
- Effective and safe pharmacological interventions are crucial for managing adolescent MDD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic benefits, response patterns, and safety of sertraline in adolescents with MDD.
- To assess the efficacy of sertraline over an acute and continuation treatment phase.
Main Methods:
- Open-label, multicenter outpatient study involving 53 adolescents with MDD.
- Treatment with sertraline for 10 weeks (acute phase), followed by a 12-week continuation phase for responders.
- Utilized multiple diagnostic and response assessment tools, including K-SADS, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Clinical Global Impression Scale.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in depression severity scores were observed by 2 weeks and persisted through 10 weeks.
- Extended treatment up to 10 weeks showed significantly greater response.
- Clinician- and patient-rated improvements were maintained during the continuation phase; sertraline was well-tolerated and did not induce manic symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Open treatment with sertraline led to early and sustained improvement in adolescent MDD over 22 weeks.
- Maximal response rates were achieved with clinician-defined ratings after 10 weeks of treatment.
- Response rates varied based on assessment scales, response definitions, and treatment duration.