SSRIs significantly increase the risk of both serious and non-serious adverse events .
The potential small beneficial effects seem to be outweighed by harmful effects .
Background The evidence on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs ) for major depressive disorder is unclear .
Methods Our objective was to conduct a systematic review assessing the effects of SSRIs versus placebo , ‘ active ’ placebo , or no intervention in adult participants with major depressive disorder .
The dexamethasone suppression test and response to placebo.
The predictive value of the  dexamethasone suppression test ( DST ) was evaluated in two consecutive double-blind , placebo-controlled trials evaluating 61 depressed in patients r and omized to either one of two drugs , sertraline or oxaprotiline , or placebo over a 4-week clinical trial . For 30 patients who completed at least 3 weeks of double-blind treatment on either drug , the initial DST was not predictive of response to drug treatment . For the 17 patients who completed at least 3 weeks of double-blind treatment on placebo , the presence of a positive DST predicted a statistically significantly poorer response to placebo as opposed to a negative DST . These preliminary findings suggest that for depressed individuals who present with a positive DST , remission without active medication is less likely and somatic treatment should be considered
SSRIs significantly increase the risk of both serious and non-serious adverse events .
The potential small beneficial effects seem to be outweighed by harmful effects .
Background The evidence on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs ) for major depressive disorder is unclear .
Methods Our objective was to conduct a systematic review assessing the effects of SSRIs versus placebo , ‘ active ’ placebo , or no intervention in adult participants with major depressive disorder .