Effects of antidepressant on symptoms and quality of life in patients with allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is considered to be a major health problem that impairs quality of life. Insufficient response to treatment and declining quality of life illustrate the continuing need to find new treatment modalities for allergic rhinitis (AR). Escitalopram, anewer anti-depressants of SSRI class is one of the most favoured antidepressants for the patients of mood disorder. It is a S - enantiomer ofcitalopram so it lacks the antihistaminic properties. The present study aims to verify the relationship between allergic rhinitis and psychological stress aiming to improve treatment of patients with allergic rhinitis and thereby improve QOL. Patients with allergic rhinitis (166) were diagnosed then analyzed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Patients with allergic rhinitis and who were positive on the Kessler scale (122) were randomly divided equally into a control group which received levocetirizine and a study group which received levocetirizine and escitalopram. Nasal symptom assessment and QOL assessment were performed in all patients after treatment. Of the 166 patients with allergic rhinitis, 122 (73.5 %) were positive on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. There was a marked improvement in the study group compared with the control group as regards nasal symptoms with better QOL in the study group (6.93) compared with the control group (2.13). Psychological stress has a strong impact on persistent allergic rhinitis. When stress is controlled by a combined treatment of Escitalopram and levocetirizine, allergic rhinitis symptoms improved and a better QOL was obtained.