Abstract: Objective To survey the value of risperidone in the treatment of depression without psychotic symptoms. Methods 205 depressive patients were randomly divided into 3 groups: risperidone group, fluoxetine group and combined group (risperidone+fluoxetine). They were assessed with Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS) before treatment and in 2nd week, 4th week, 6th week and 8th week after treatment. Results The reduction rate of HAMD of combined group was the best among three groups(P<0.05), and that of fluoxetine group was better than that of risperidone(P<0.01). The significant difference in reduction rate of HAMD between combined group and other two groups was observed since 2nd week after treatment(P<0.05). No difference in scores of TESS has been observed in any time among three groups. Conclusion Risperidone can improve the efficacy of fluoxetine on depression without psychotic symptoms without increasing side effects, but itself is less effective than fluoxetine.

Key words: risperidone, fluoxetine, depression without psychotic symptoms