Monday, October 27, 2003

Achieving Remission in Depression: Raising the Standard of Care
Article in Medscape Psychiatry & Mental Health - "...Despite the widespread use of the SSRIs, it has become increasingly evident that these agents are often less effective in treating depression compared with some dual-acting agents that affect serotonergic and noradrenergic systems. Early studies that reported similar efficacy rates of all the antidepressant classes tended to use response rather than remission rates as the criterion for improvement. Response is generally defined as a 50% decrease in scores on depression scales, such as the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) or the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale. Yet significant depressive symptoms are often present after a 50% improvement rate is attained. The patient may therefore have symptomatically improved but still not feel well by the response criterion. Alternatively, remission is an indicator of wellness. When remission is achieved, the patient experiences few, if any, symptoms of depression." [Viewing Medscape resources requires registration, which is free].