Studies of reversible and selective inhibitors of monoamine oxidase A in dysthymia

Dysthymia is a relatively common disorder and is frequently associated with other mental conditions such as major depression and anxiety. A number of controlled and uncontrolled studies have indicated that conventional as well as more recent antidepressants such as moclobemide, a selective, reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (MAOI), may be effective in dysthymia and dysthymia-like disorders. However, assessment of the results of previous studies is confounded by the relative lack of standards in diagnostic criteria, outcome measures, dosage and duration of treatment. Applying DSM-III-R criteria, the efficacy of moclobemide in dysthymia has been confirmed in a significant study from South America, and other comparable studies are under way. The potential role of selective, reversible MAOIs such as moclobemide can be more firmly established when results of additional investigations have become available.