Thyroid-Hormone Enhancement of Imipramine in Nonretarded Depressions

The speed and efficacy of imipramine in the treatment of clinical depression was enhanced by the addition of tri-iodothyronine to the treatment program. L-tri-iodothyronine, 25 μg daily, added to imipramine, 150 mg per day, significantly improved performance on the Hamilton Rating Scale and the Self-rating Depression Scale as compared to that in patients receiving imipramine and a placebo. Morbidity and duration of hospitalization were diminished. The patients were euthyroid according to conventional clinical and laboratory criteria. The hormone quickened ankle reflex time and suppressed levels of protein-bound iodine. These physiologic changes, though definite, were slight and within the limits of euthyroidism as usually defined.