A Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial of Olanzapine Plus Sertraline vs Olanzapine Plus Placebo for Psychotic Depression

Abstract

Major depression (MD) with psychotic features is a severe but potentially treatable disorder.¹ Epidemiological studies^2,3 and studies of large samples of psychiatric patients^4,5 indicate that 15% to 20% of individuals with major depression have psychotic features. Higher prevalence rates approximating 45% have been reported among elderly inpatients with depression.^6,7 Major depression with psychotic features is associated with poorer short-term outcomes, a longer time to recovery, greater residual disability, and greater mortality than MD without psychosis.^2,4,5,8,9