title: Unsolved problems in the pharmacotherapy of depression.
abstract: Five unsolved problems in the pharmacotherapy of depression are discussed: (a) it is not possible to differentiate endogenous and nonendogenous depression; (b) a selective efficacy of serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors cannot be demonstrated; (c) the relationship between plasma levels and antidepressant effect is still unclear: plasma levels are influenced by pharmacogenetic factors, age, route of application, and concomitant treatment with other drugs; (d) evidence is growing for the development of tolerance towards therapeutic effects of antidepressants; (e) no pretreatment variable allows prediction of treatment response: the best predictor is the initial response to treatment.
mesh_terms: D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents