A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL OF CHANGE IN QUALITY OF LIFE WITH SERTRALINE, IMIPRAMINE AND DES-VENLAFAXINE: EXPERIENCE FROM INDIA

Background and Aims: Major depressive disorder (MDD) leads to impairment in patient’s quality of life. In the current study, effect of antidepressant treatment on quality of life in persons with depression using three antidepressants from three different classes was compared.

Methods: 132 patients diagnosed as depressive episode were randomized to receive sertraline, imipramine or des-venlafaxine. Assessments were made at baseline, 1 month, 3 months and at the end of 6 months of treatment using Zung self rating scale, WHO-QoL Bref (hindi version), Arizona sexual experience rating scale and the adverse effects checklist.

Results: Patients in the three groups had significant impairment in quality of life and sexual function at baseline. All the three groups’ showed significant improvement in psychopathology, quality of life and sexual function after 3 and 6 months of starting treatment. On comparing the 3 drugs, sertraline and imipramine were better than des-venlafaxine in improving psychopathology. Imipramine caused significantly more dry mouth and drowsiness than the other two drugs.

Conclusion: Depression is associated with significant impairment in quality of life and sexual dysfunction. Treatment with antidepressants leads to significant improvement in these aspects.