Research article summary (published 30 Dec 1982):

Somatic symptoms in depression and antidepressants.

Full Abstract

Somatic side effects of antidepressant medications and of depression and anxiety were quantified in depressed patients before and after 4 weeks of treatment with amitriptyline (N = 11), or desipramine (N = 12). The entire group showed significant posttreatment decreases in depression. Side-effect symptoms were significantly reduced after treatment in the amitriptyline group; less reduction was seen in the desipramine group. Significant correlations were demonstrated between levels of anxiety and side effect symptoms both before and after treatment. The reduction in side effect symptoms in the amitriptyline group can be explained by the drug's anxiolytic property. Our findings suggest that symptoms resembling antidepressant side effects seen in medicated depressed patients are influenced by the patient's clinical condition more than by the anticholinergic activity of moderate dosages of the antidepressant.

Author information

Author/s: Mathew, R J (RJ); Weinman, M L (ML); Thapar, R (R); Reck, J J (JJ); Claghorn, J L (JL);

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: The Journal of clinical psychiatry (J Clin Psychiatry), published in UNITED STATES. (Language: eng)

Reference: 1983-Jan; vol 44 (issue 1) : pp 10-2

Dates: Created 1983/03/11; Completed 1983/03/11; Revised 2007/11/15;

PMID: 6822481, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 2/18/2009)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MeSH Headings (categories) shown below.

Adult Amitriptyline - adverse effects; therapeutic use Anxiety - complications; psychology Autonomic Nervous System Diseases - chemically induced; etiology Constipation - chemically induced; etiology Depressive Disorder - complications; drug therapy; psychology Desipramine - adverse effects; therapeutic use

Erectile Dysfunction - chemically induced; etiology Female Humans Male Personality Inventory Psychiatric Status Rating Scales Xerostomia - chemically induced; etiology

Note: Bold headings indicate primary MeSH headings or qualifiers.

Associated Chemicals: Desipramine (50-47-5) ; Amitriptyline (50-48-6)

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