Escitalopram versus placebo in the treatment of dysthymic disorder

Final HDRS-24 scores did not differ significantly between escitalopram-treated (mean±SD=10.88±5.83) and placebo-treated individuals (mean±SD=16.4±6.34).

• Thirty-six outpatients with dysthymic disorder participated in a 12-week, double-blind study comparing escitalopram to placebo.
• Participants had a baseline Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) score averaging 23.4±5.9.
• No significant differences were observed in HDRS-24 total scores between the escitalopram and placebo groups.
• Escitalopram showed significant improvements on the Social Adjustment Scale and the Clinical Global Impression Severity and Global Assessment of Functioning Scale.
• The percentages of participants classified as responders or remitters did not differ between the escitalopram and placebo groups.
• The study suggests that a larger sample size or higher escitalopram dose may yield more notable differences.

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