WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Makhoola H. Kassim*, Falah H. Kareem, Eman A. Al Kaseer and Jawad K. Al Diwan

ABSTRACT

Background: High prevalence of depression are reported in Iraq. Selective serotonin inhibitors are the most often prescribed antidepressant. Publishing on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in management of depression is scarce in Iraq which was the impetus to carry out reporting on personal experience with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Methods: A total of 52 patients with major depressive disorder was included in this study for the period 1st Oct. 2019 to 1st May 2020. Their age was 19 – 59 years with male to female ratio of 0.3:1. Hamilton depressive scale 17 was used categories depression in mild, moderate and sever. Demographic variables were of interest. Results: Before treatment, there were 17%, 30.8% and 61.5% of mild, moderate and severe depression, respectively. After treatment the degrees of depression were 67.3%, 19.2% and 13.5%, respectively. There was a significant increase in mild depression and a significant decrease in moderate and severe depression. (p=0.00001). Of those improved patients 35.9% aged < 40 years and 38.5% aged ? 40 years. No significant role for age in improvement (p=0.8). The improved males and females were 41.7% and 38.9%, respectively. Sex was not significantly affecting the outcome (p=0.3). Improve married women and others (divorce, widows, … etc.) were 36% and 37%, respectively. Marriage was playing no role in improvement (p=0.4). Out of those with ? secondary and > secondary levels 42.8% and 44.4% were improved, respectively. No significant role for education level (p=0.5). Conclusion: Selective serotonin inhibitors are effective in management of major depressive disorder.