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Published on: March 2, 2015
Treatment of pathological crying with citalopram
W P Kaschka1, A Meyer, K R Schier
1University of Ulm, Department of Psychiatry I, Weissenau Psychiatric Hospital, Ravensburg, Germany.
Pharmacopsychiatry
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram effectively treat pathological crying. This study highlights successful citalopram use in Parkinson's disease and cerebral ischemia patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Pathological laughing and crying are symptoms linked to central nervous system disorders.
- The exact anatomical basis remains unclear, but central serotonergic neurotransmission disturbances are implicated.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a potential treatment avenue.
Observation:
- Three cases of pathological crying were successfully treated.
- Citalopram, an SSRI, was used in all reported cases.
- Patients had conditions including cerebral ischemia and Parkinson's disease.
Findings:
- Citalopram demonstrated rapid and effective treatment for pathological crying.
- This is the first report of citalopram's efficacy in Parkinson's disease-related pathological crying.
- The findings support the role of serotonergic pathways in these disorders.
Implications:
- Citalopram offers a promising therapeutic option for pathological crying.
- Further research into SSRIs for neurological conditions with emotional lability is warranted.
- Understanding the serotonergic system's role can lead to targeted treatments.
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