Potential efficacy of dopaminergic antidepressants in treatment resistant anergic-anhedonic depression results of the chronic anergic-anhedonic depression open trial – CADOT

INTRODUCTION: Among treatment-resistant depression (TRD), we identified anergic-anhedonic clinical presentations (TRAD) as putatively responsive to pro-dopaminergic strategies. Based on the literature, non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) and dopamine D2 receptor agonists (D2RAG) were sequentially introduced, frequently under the coverage of a mood stabilizer. This two-step therapeutic strategy will be referred to as the Dopaminergic Antidepressant Therapy Algorithm (DATA). We describe the short and long-term outcomes of TRAD managed according to DATA guidelines. METHOD: Out of 52 outpatients with TRAD treated with DATA in a single expert center, 48 were included in the analysis [severity – QIDS (Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology) = 16 ± 3; episode duration = 4.1 ± 2.7 years; Thase and Rush resistance stage = 2.9 ± 0.6; functioning – GAF (Global Assessment of Functioning) = 41 ± 8]. These were followed-up for a median (1st – 3rd quartile) of 4 (1–9) months before being prescribed the first dopaminergic treatment and remitters were followed up 21 (11–33) months after remission. RESULTS: At the end of DATA step 1, 25 patients were in remission (QIDS <6; 52% [38–66%]). After DATA step 2, 37 patients were in remission (77% [65–89%]) to whom 5 patients with a QIDS score = 6 could be added (88% [78–97%]). Many of these patients felt subjectively remitted (GAF = 74 ± 10). There was a significant benefit to combining MAOI with D2RAG which was maintained for at least 18 months in 30 patients (79% [62–95%]). CONCLUSION: These results support TRAD sensitivity to pro-dopaminergic interventions. However, some clinical heterogeneities remain in our sample and suggest some improvement in the description of dopamine-sensitive form(s).