*3.3. Characteristics of Depressive Episodes and SSRI Treatment*

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment was initiated between 2013 and 2020. Characteristics of the depressive episodes and treatment are presented in Table 2. Depression severity at the time of SSRI initiation as rated by the CGI-S ranged from mildly ill (CGI-S = 3) to severely ill (CGI-S = 6), with most patients rated as moderately ill (CGI-S = 4). Fluoxetine was the most commonly prescribed SSRI (*n* = 8). Two patients (18%) were prescribed sertraline, and one patient (9%) was prescribed escitalopram. Five patients (45%) were taking one or more concomitant psychiatric medications, and 10 (91%) were receiving one or more non-medication treatments (nine patients participated in a day

program, and five patients received individual psychotherapy). Two patients (18%) had depression with psychotic features.

**Table 2.** Characteristics of Depressive Episodes and Treatment.


<sup>1</sup> One patient each was taking an alpha-<sup>2</sup> agonist, N-acetylcysteine, rivastigmine, and trazodone. <sup>2</sup> See Table 3 for dosage information. CGI-S: Clinical Global Impression Severity scale. SSRI: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.


**Table 3.** Summary of 12-week and Long-Term Treatment Course.


**Table 3.** *Cont.*

SSRI: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor; CGI-S: Clinical Global Impression Severity scale; CGI-I: Clinical Global Impression Improvement scale.
