Effect of SSRI on C-Reactive Protein in Case of Depression

Abstract

Introduction: Depression can present with several symptoms, such as loss of pleasure, feelings of guilt, low self
esteem, and disturbed sleep or appetite. In recent socio- economic scenario incidence & prevalence of depression
is on increasing trend. SSRIs are the mainstay of treatment of depression.
Objective: the anti-inflammatory role of escitalopram in freshly diagnosed depression case and also to find any
correlation between depression & inflammation.
Material & Methods: It was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted at College of Medicine and Sagore Dutta
Hospital by Department of Biochemistry in collaboration with Department of Psychiatry. 71 Patients attending
psychiatric OPD who are newly diagnosed as Major depressive disorder (MDD) were selected. 73 Age and sex
matched healthy family members of the patients were taken as controls.Before starting treatment C reactive protein
(CPR) & Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD) was assessed. After 12 weeks of treatment same parameters
were assessed again.
Results: after 12 weeks of treatment mean CPR & HAMD score is significantly reduced in case group as compared
to the baseline values respectively. The reduction of HAMD score is negatively correlated with the baseline CPR.
Conclusion: Escitalopram significantly reduce the CPR value which may have a role in improvement of HAMD
score.