Mirtazapine augmentation in depressed patients with sexual dysfunction due to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of mirtazapine augmentation in patients with sexual dysfunction induced by current selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment.

Methods: Forty-nine outpatients in remission from major depressive disorder with SSRI treatment and experiencing treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction were invited to participate and 33 (25 women and 8 men) were included in this 8-week open-label study. All patients continued her/his current SSRI treatment (dosages unchanged) and started on mirtazapine augmentation of 15 mg/day during the first week and 30 mg/day throughout the rest of the study.

Acute and maintenance electroconvulsive therapy for treatment of psychotic depression in a pregnant patient.

Depression may relapse during pregnancy in women with a history of depression. Treatments which may be effective for mothers may be harmful to the fetus. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been widely used in patients with different medical illnesses.