Excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue in depressed patients and therapeutic response of a sedating antidepressant.

Background: Although sleepiness and fatigue are common symptoms in depressed patients, the relationships among sleepiness, fatigue and treatment of depression have not been fully elucidated. The main objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of a sedating antidepressant on sleepiness and fatigue in patients with depression.

Methods: Forty-two depressed patients, who met DSM-IV diagnostic criteria, and 32 matched healthy controls participated in the baseline measurements.