Drug Therapy to Treat Minor Depression

Depression Clinical Trial

Official title: Pharmacotherapy for Minor Depression

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

This 6-month study will compare the effectiveness of citalopram (Celexa®), hypericum (St. John's Wort), and placebo for the treatment of minor depression.

Clinical Trial Description

Minor depression is highly prevalent, causes substantial morbidity and disability, presents a serious risk factor for the development of major depressive disorder, yet is under recognized and under treated. Researchers have determined that patients with minor depression frequently seek treatment from general practitioners and are often treated with prescription antidepressants. There is a need to evaluate the effectiveness of St. John's Wort in the management of minor depression. If the proposed study demonstrates the efficacy of St. John's Wort and/or citalopram, it will suggest treatment paradigms that can be tested and applied in primary care settings.

Subjects participated in a 12-week double-blind randomized study comparing St. John's Wort, citalopram, and placebo. Subjects were recruited through clinical referrals and community advertising. Data were obtained at the baseline visit (just prior to randomization) and at postrandomization visits conducted at 2-week intervals for the next 12 weeks, for a modified intent-to-treat sample consisting of all 73 subjects with at least 1 post-randomization visit (evaluable sample). ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Depression
• Depressive Disorder

• NCT number: NCT00048815
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Massachusetts General Hospital
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: February 2003
• Completion date: April 2007