Appetite and food preference in depression: effects of imipramine treatment

A nutritional survey, the Pittsburgh Appetite Test (PAT), was developed to study potential changes in appetite and food preference reported by patients during a depressive episode and during antidepressant treatment. We examined a group of 50 depressed outpatients who were drug-free for 2 weeks prior to treatment with imipramine and psychotherapy for 4 months. A significant increase in the desire for "sweets" (carbohydrate--fat-rich foods) was observed during a depressive episode, compared to periods when patients recalled feeling well (retrospective data). During imipramine treatment, no further changes were observed in preference for either "sweets" or carbohydrates when compared to the medication-free period. Alterations in patient self-reports of appetite and body weight change were noted during imipramine treatment.