It's a condition that has been unrecognized for decades. It's only in the past few years that we have been able to separate chronic depression from an individual's character or personality, so that it is recognized as a treatable mental illness. We came to Bristol-Myers Squibb with our idea about this study. The Serzone Chronic Depression Study represents the largest study of its kind ever undertaken comparing the efficacy of medication alone, psychotherapy alone and the combination of the two for the treatment of chronically depressed outpatients. The highest rates of depression occur among adults ages 25 to 44.
Women are more likely to develop depression than are men.
The factors contributing to the global level of disability associated with depression are high prevalence, increased rates of recurrence, chronicity, and associated medical and psychiatric comorbidity. According to the study investigators, the next step is to translate the acute phase data into treatment guidelines for initial management of chronic depression. Serzone is indicated for the treatment of depression, and is effective in reducing relapse. Serzone is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to nefazodone or other phenylpiperazines. Since any psychoactive drug may impair judgment, thinking or motor skills, patients should be cautioned about operating hazardous machinery, including automobiles, until they are reasonably certain that Serzone therapy does not adversely affect their ability to engage in such activities.