Abstract: AIM: To explore the clinical efficacy of escitalopram combined with low dose of aripiprazole in the treatment of depression with somatic symptoms.METHODS: Eighty patients suffering from depression with somatic symptoms were randomly divided into study group (n=41) and control group (n=39), who received either escitalopram combined with low dose of aripiprazole or escitalopram only, respectively. The clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), Clinical Global Impression (CGI), Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS) and Dysfunctional Attitudes Scales (DAS) at the point of baseline and the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 8th weekend. Meanwhile, the medication compliance and symptom recrudescence rate of two groups were also assessed in 3 months.RESULTS: Scores of HAMD, SDS and CGI decreased in both groups, but more significantly and quickly in study group. There was no difference between two groups in TESS. Patients in study group had better compliance, fewer symptom recrudescence rate and lower scores in DAS in 3 months, compared with control group.CONCLUSION: Escitalopram combined with low dose of aripiprazole works better in the treatment of depression with somatic symptoms than using escitalopram only.

Key words: Escitalopram, Aripiprazole, Somatic symptoms, Depression