Interaktionen zwischen Pharmakotherapien und Psychotherapien bei Depressionen

Abstract

In depression-therapy there seems to be a general positive interaction between medication and psychotherapy. This fact is well established for tricyclics and SSRIs. With these drugs no trial resulting in a negative interaction has been reported. Concerning other antidepressants information on the topic is incomplete or nonexistent. St. John's Wort (which is sold over the counter in Germany) is frequently consumed by the patients without knowledge of the physician or the psychotherapist. No studies about a combination of St. John's Wort and psychotherapies are available. St. John's Wort has many unexpected interactions with other antidepressants. Neuroleptics and tranquilizers are valuable short-term adjuncts to antidepressant therapy, but their long-term effects are questionable. Tranquilizers may cause addiction, neuroleptics may cause side effects (movement disorders, weight gain and sexuality). Compliance is improved by a combination of drug therapy and psychotherapy. Whether this combination should be executed by different therapists or the same therapist remains to be elucidated.

Keywords:

Antidepressants, combinations of drug therapy and psychotherapy in depressions, compliance, St. John's Wort