Treatment of Atypical Depression With Cognitive Therapy or Phenelzine

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
PATIENTS WITH major depressive disorder (MDD) and atypical features have shown a preferential response to phenelzine sulfate compared with imipramine hydrochloride in placebo-controlled trials,1-7 prompting the recommendation of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as the standard of care.8 Unfortunately, MAOIs have dietary restrictions, contraindications, and well-known side effects.3,9 Although Reimherr et al10 and Pande et al11 showed that fluoxetine hydrochloride may offer an alternative, many patients cannot or will not take antidepressant medication. Since psychosocial treatments are sought by and prescribed for depressed patients with atypical features, studies of efficacy and effectiveness are needed.