Systematic review of pharmacological treatments for depressive symptoms in Huntington's disease. Issue 12 (11th August 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moulton, Calum D.; Hopkins, C.W.P.; Bevan‐Jones, W. Richard
• Is Part Of: Movement disorders. Volume 29:Issue 12(2014)
• Page Start: 1556
• Page End: 1561
• Publication Date: 2014-08-11
• Subjects: Movement disorders -- Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1002/mds.25980
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0885-3185

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="mds25980-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>Depressive symptoms are common in Huntington's disease (HD), profoundly affect quality of life, and predict suicidal ideation. However, no recent review of antidepressant treatment in HD has been published.</p> </sec> <sec id="mds25980-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>We performed a PRISMA systematic review of HD studies, which used a recognized antidepressant and measured change in depressive symptoms using a validated psychiatric scale. Controlled trials, uncontrolled trials, observational studies, and case series were included.</p> </sec> <sec id="mds25980-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Eleven studies were included, totalling 190 patients. One study examined venlafaxine, one fluoxetine, one citalopram, one atomoxetine, one modafinil, one lithium, and five antipsychotics. No studies were of adequate duration, size, or outcome, and no controlled trial in a depressed population produced a positive result.</p> </sec> <sec id="mds25980-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Inadequate evidence exists to guide antidepressant treatment in HD. Further research is needed to assess antidepressant efficacy and to examine whether treatment of depression represents a modifiable target for the high suicide rate in HD. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society</p> </sec> </abstract>