Pharmalogical treatment of psychotic depression. In search for evidence

PhD Ceremony: dhr. J. Wijkstra, 14.45 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Dissertation: Pharmalogical treatment of psychotic depression. In search for evidence

Promotor(s): prof.dr. W.A. Nolen

Faculty: Medical Sciences

Contact: via theUMCG, tel. 050-361 2200, e-mail: voorlichting bvl.umcg.nl

The main focus of this thesis was to establish the best pharmacological treatment for unipolar psychotic depression. In a randomized double-blind multi-center trial (RCT) in patients with a psychotic depression (N = 122) we compared the antidepressants imipramine and venlafaxine with a combination of an antidepressant and an antipsychotic (venlafaxine plus quetiapine). For the first time there is evidence that a psychotic depression should be treated with the combination of an antidepressant and an antipsychotic (venlafaxine plus quetiapine) and not with an antidepressant alone (venlafaxine).