The guidelines recommend that antidepressants treatment in combination with psychosocial interventions should be considered for::* People with a past history of moderate or severe depression:* Those with mild depression that has been present for a long period:* As a second line treatment for mild depression that persists after other interventions:* As a first line treatment for moderate or severe depression.
The UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) 2004 guidelines indicate that antidepressants should not be used for the initial treatment of mild depression, because the risk-benefit ratio is poor.