title: Methodology of measuring the efficacy of antidepressants--European viewpoint.
abstract: The 1988 Consensus Conference on the Methodology of Clinical Trials of Antidepressants developed a European viewpoint on the methodology of measuring the efficacy of antidepressants. Placebo-controlled, parallel group trials are necessary but problematic. To test the efficacy of a new antidepressant, only patients with recognized depressive disorder of at least moderate severity should be included. In double-blind trials comparing a novel antidepressant with a well known reference drug, effective doses of the reference drug should be used. Efficacy can best be demonstrated in non-treatment-resistant patients. The recommended length of trials for proof of antidepressant efficacy is at least 4 weeks.
authors.affiliation: Psychiatric University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Woggon
mesh_terms: D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000523:psychology; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D012107:Research Design
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents