We compared desipramine with phenelzine in a double-blind, parallel-groups study of 43 outpatients with recurrent unipolar depression. Response to the two drugs was similar, with an overall average reduction in scores on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression of about 50% over 6 weeks. Improvement was negatively correlated with initial severity of depression, especially in patients treated with desipramine. Response to desipramine was better in patients with moderate to severe stressors and no previous hospitalizations. Response to either treatment was better in patients whose course consisted of recurrent depressions with a stable baseline, even if the baseline was dysthymic.