Dienogest-induced major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation A case report

Rationale: Dienogest is a type of progestin used for the treatment of endometriosis (EM). However, a significant adverse effect of dienogest is depression; therefore, assessing for a history of mood disorders is recommended before prescribing the drug. Herein, we present the case of a patient with no history of psychiatric disorders who was diagnosed with dienogest-induced major depressive disorder. This case emphasizes the importance of close monitoring for negative mood changes in patients taking dienogest. Patient concerns: A 41-year-old woman underwent surgery for EM. Postoperatively, her gynecologist prescribed dienogest (2 mg/d) to control EM symptoms. Two months after the initiation of dienogest, she manifested insomnia almost daily, gradually became depressed, lost interest in all activities, had incessant cries, and repeatedly thought of death. She had no history of major physical or psychiatric disorders. Diagnosis: Major depressive disorder, single episode, severe. Interventions: A psychiatric consultation was recommended, an antidepressant was prescribed, and dienogest was discontinued. Outcomes: Two weeks later, there was significant improvement in the symptoms, and after 4 weeks, she remained in a stable mood with no suicidal thoughts. She was followed up for 13 months with a maintenance dose of escitalopram (5 -10mg/d), until the psychiatrist recommended treatment discontinuation, with a confirmed state of remission. Lessons: This was a case of dienogest-induced depression in a patient with no history of mood disorders. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of the occurrence of severe depression in progestin users regardless of their previous history.

Automated summary

This case report highlights a patient with no history of psychiatric disorders who developed severe depression induced by dienogest, emphasizing the importance of close monitoring for negative mood changes in progestin users. Close psychiatric consultation, antidepressant medication, and discontinuation of dienogest led to significant improvement in symptoms, supporting the need for clinicians to be aware of the potential occurrence of severe depression in progestin users regardless of their previous history.