Prescribing antidepressants for depression: time to be dimensional and inclusive

Br J Gen Pract. 2011 Jan;61(582):50-2. doi: 10.3399/bjgp11X548992.

Abstract

The article by Middleton and Moncrieff questions the role of antidepressants in treating depression on both philosophical and practical grounds; namely that depression isn't a brain disease to be treated by a drug and that antidepressants are ineffective except as placebos. We argue that their stance is unhelpful and factually incorrect and that a more dimensional and integrative approach is needed in order to be able to best tailor treatment to individual needs. This involves a personalised assessment of the likely benefits and risks of both psychological and drug approaches when recommending treatment for someone with depression.

MeSH terms

  • Antidepressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Depressive Disorder / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Psychotherapy / methods*
  • Psychotherapy / standards
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents