Acute response of social functioning in dysthymic patients with desipramine

Richard A. Friedman, John C. Markowitz, Michael Parides, James H. Kocsis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

Despite some evidence that short-term antidepressant treatment improves social dysfunction in depressed patients, little is known about the response of specific social impairments in dysthymic patients to antidepressant medication. We examined the effect of acute (10 weeks), open-label desipramine (DMI) treatment on social functioning in subjects with DSM-III-R dysthymia. Social functioning was assessed with the social adjustment scale self-report (SAS-SR) at baseline and at week 10. Compared with DMI nonresponders, DMI responders showed significantly greater improvement in overall social functioning (F2,45 = 5.46, P < 0.0001) and in enjoyment of leisure time (F2,45 = 14.38, P < 0.0001) on the SAS-SR. Dysthymic patients who respond to DMI improve significantly in social functioning. Diminished capacity to enjoy leisure time may be a state marker of depression in some chronically depressed patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)85-88
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Affective Disorders
Volume34
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - May 17 1995
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Desipramine
  • Dysthymia
  • Social functioning

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Acute response of social functioning in dysthymic patients with desipramine'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this