Buspirone is an effective augmenting agent of serotonin selective re-uptake inhibitors in severe treatment-refractory depression.

BACKGROUND: Buspirone has previously been reported to be effective in the augmentation of the antidepressant effect of serotonin selective re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in depressed outpatients. We report on buspirone augmentation of SSRIs in severe treatment-refractory depression in inpatients. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was undertaken of patients diagnosed with DSM-III-R major depression and treated at our inpatient unit. All 14 patients had been given structured depression rating scales before and after addition of buspirone to a SSRI. RESULTS: Patients had previously failed multiple trials of antidepressants, often including lithium and/or thyroid augmentation, as well as, in 12 cases, electroconvulsive therapy. However, augmentation of an SSRI with buspirone led to a rapid and significant improvement in depression in 6 of 14 (43%) patients. CONCLUSION: Despite the limitations of the study design, our results support previous work suggesting the need for further controlled research on the use of buspirone in the augmentation of the antidepressant response to the SSRIs.