Aripiprazole Augmentation of SSRI Therapy in Treatment Refractory Depression
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2009-01-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Our target population will have been adequately treated with one of three selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; escitalopram, citalopram, or sertraline) for at least 8-12 weeks
and continue to experience symptoms of depression that have prompted them to seek additional
treatment. Escitalopram, citalopram, and sertraline were selected for use in this study
because they are among the most commonly selected SSRIs and they are associated with a
reduced likelihood of drug-drug interactions with aripiprazole. After completion of the
screening process, eligible participants will be augmented with aripiprazole (5, 10, or 15
mg) for 6 weeks. Participants will continue SSRI treatment with their prescribing physician,
in conjunction with study participation. Symptom severity will be assessed on a weekly basis,
and cognitive and psychosocial function will be assessed at pre- and post-augmentation. We
hypothesize that aripiprazole augmentation will be associated with reductions in symptom
severity, and with improved performance on measures of psychosocial and cognitive function.