Scientists have suggested that prescribing head and neck cancer patients with citalopram can help to prevent them from becoming depressed.

A study published in the Archives of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery shows that those receiving therapy for their condition are more likely to be in a good mood state if given a course of the antidepressant.

Researchers studied 36 patients as part of the investigation to determine whether citalopram hydrobromide could stunt major depressive disorder in patients undergoing cancer therapy.

The subjects were randomly selected to take either 40mg of citalopram hydrobromide or a placebo for 12 weeks.

In the group taking the placebo, two members became suicidal compared to no patients in the citalopram group.

Using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the researchers found that the mood state of 15 per cent of the group taking the antidepressants was rated as at least mildly ill – compared to 60 per cent in the placebo group.

Further, the quality of life of those taking part - rated by the University of Washington Quality of Life scale - worsened in both groups, but more so for those taking the placebo drug.

"Psychiatric morbidity in these patients is frequent and underdiagnosed," said the report.

"Major depressive disorder has been reported in up to 40 per cent of patients with head and neck cancer, typically within the first three months of diagnosis."

It added that the study "suggests a tangible means to improve outcome in patients with head and neck cancer and supports additional research toward this aim".

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