A multicentre double-blind comparative trial of zimeldine and imipramine in primary major depressive disorders

Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors: use in depression

This short review outlines the clinical profile of the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). There has been much recent publicity and promotion of this group of drugs and this review attempts to give a balanced account of their current place in the treatment of depression. Although a large number of preclinical and clinical trials have been carried out many questions and problems remain – it is important to proceed carefully and carry out (and replicate) controlled independent clinical trials. The views of general psychiatrists and GPs about these drugs in normal clinical practice will be the acid test – this will be particularly important in view of their cost.

Clinical and biochemical aspects of depressive disorders: III. Treatment and controversies

The present document is the final of three parts of a review that focuses on recent data from clinical and animal research concerning the biochemical bases of depressive disorders, diagnosis, and treatment. Various treatments for depression, including psychotherapy, pharmacological, and somatic treatments, will be described in this third part. Also, some of the controversies in the field, as well as a summary of the most salient points of the review, will be discussed. Previous sections of this review dealt with the classification of depressive disorders and research techniques for studying the biochemical mechanisms of these disorders (Part I) and various transmitter/receptor theories of depressive disorder (Part II).

Zimeldine in the treatment of depression in the elderly

Epidemiological data indicate that the incidence of classical melancholia is lower among the elderly; however, light, atypical or secondary depressions appear to become more common during old age. Biochemical changes that occur with age or in association with dementia, may increase vulnerability to affective disorders. Preliminary studies show that zimeldine is an effective antidepressant with low cardiotoxicity and few anticholinergic side-effects, and it appears that the drug is well tolerated by the elderly. Drug regimens need to be carefully tailored to the elderly patient's requirements, however, as first-pass metabolism is reduced in some patients. An objective test to differentiate dementia from depression would be extremely valuable. Unfortunately, no such test has yet been found. The dexamethasone suppression test, for example, has proved to be unreliable in this context.