A randomized controlled trial comparing moclobemide and moclobemide plus interpersonal psychotherapy in the treatment of dysthymic disorder.

The authors compared the outcomes of 35 outpatients with dysthymic disorder randomized to receive either treatment with moclobemide and interpersonal therapy (IPT) or moclobemide and routine clinical management. Diagnosis was based on the ICD-10 symptom checklist. Patients were evaluated by trained raters using the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (Ham-D), Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Global Assessment of Functioning, and Quality of Life and Satisfaction Questionnaire at baseline, 12, 24, and 48 weeks. Patients in both treatment groups showed statistically significant improvement in all measures across time. There was a nonsignificant trend toward lower scores on Ham-D and MADRS for patients in the moclobemide plus IPT group. Longer, better-powered trials should be carried out to study the efficacy of IPT plus antidepressant medication in the treatment of dysthymic disorder.