CONCLUSIONS This systematic review provides evidence for the efficacy of both SSRIs and TCAs in the treatment of chronic depression and showed a better acceptability of SSRIs
INTRODUCTION Chronic depression represents a substantial portion of depressive disorders and is associated with severe consequences .
This review examined the efficacy and acceptability of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs ) and tricyclic antidepressants ( TCAs ) in the treatment of chronic depression .
Additionally , the comparative effectiveness of the two types of antidepressants has been examined .
Treatment outcome validation of DSM-III depressive subtypes. Clinical usefulness in outpatients with mild to moderate depression.
An algorithm for transcribing Research Diagnostic Criteria diagnoses for depressive disorders to similar categories in the DSM-III was applied to 103 depressed out patients previously diagnosed by Research Diagnostic Criteria . All had Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores of 18 or less . Among 64 patients completing a six-week , double-blind study comparing desipramine hydrochloride with placebo , desipramine was significantly more effective than placebo in patients with DSM-III major depression but not in those with dysthymic disorder . Among patients with major depression , a significant drug-placebo response difference was demonstrated even in those without melancholia . These findings support the clinical usefulness of the DSM-III in the treatment of depressed out patients . Independent of DSM-III diagnosis , however , evidence of panic attacks seemed to identify patients who benefited from desipramine therapy . This suggests that the DSM-III hierarchy , which excludes consideration of panic in patients with major depression , may require revision
CONCLUSIONS This systematic review provides evidence for the efficacy of both SSRIs and TCAs in the treatment of chronic depression and showed a better acceptability of SSRIs
INTRODUCTION Chronic depression represents a substantial portion of depressive disorders and is associated with severe consequences .
This review examined the efficacy and acceptability of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs ) and tricyclic antidepressants ( TCAs ) in the treatment of chronic depression .
Additionally , the comparative effectiveness of the two types of antidepressants has been examined .