Inclusion criteria were male or female
patients, age 18-60 years, a DSM-IV diagnosis of MDD
at consent, and taking at least 20 mg/day of fluoxetine
at least 4 weeks prior to consent. The Montgomery
Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) inclusion
criterion was moderate to severe (22-44 points).
Exclusion criteria were a current or past diagnosis of
psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, substance
dependence (except nicotine and caffeine), moderate
to severe suicidal behavior as per the MADRS, a
general medical condition preventing continuation
or treatment response and having received any