Phenomenology and treatment of agitation

Author(s): DeBattista, C.

Journal/Book: J Clin Psychiat. 1999; 60: P O Box 240008, Memphis, TN 38124, USA. Physicians Postgraduate Press. 17-20.

Abstract: Agitation is a troublesome, common symptom in major depression that can be difficult to manage. It is sometimes a side effect of antidepressant treatment and may occasionally represent a mixed bipolar episode. If agitation fails to respond to an antidepressant alone, treatment may be augmented with a benzodiazepine, a neuroleptic, or lithium. Preliminary evidence indicates that divalproex, which has been found useful for bipolar disorder and for agitation associated with Alzheimer's disease, may also be effective for agitated depression. A controlled trial is now underway.

Note: Article Schatzberg AF, Stanford Univ, Dept Psychiat & Behav Sci, Sch Med, Room 3201, Stanford,CA 94305 USA

Keyword(s): DEPRESSION; FLUOXETINE; DEMENTIA

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