Male delusional depressed patients: response to treatment

In view of the previous finding that female deluded depressed patients do not respond to tricyclic antidepressants, a retrospective review of charts of thirteen male patients with primary depression accompanied by delusions were undertaken. None improved on tricyclics alone, whereas all those treated initially with neuroleptics improved. Twelve out of thirteen patients showed no improvement until neuroleptics were added to the treatment regimen. Implications for classification and treatment are discussed.