title: [Practical modalities of consolidation treatment].
abstract: Long-term treatment has the double objective of consolidating the beneficial therapeutic effect of the initial treatment and of preventing the aggravations which usually occur within 6 or 8 months following the beginning of a depressive episode. The practical measures in long-term treatment of a depressive state are fairly well laid down. Effective antidepressant treatment for an isolated acute depressive episode should be prolonged, at the same dose, for 4 to 6 months following relief from the episode. Epidemiological studies confirm the superiority of antidepressant treatment over placebo in the prevention of recurrence of depressive episodes, complementing a psychotherapeutic approach. Treatment should always be stopped very gradually. If further recurrence occurs, it becomes necessary to continue treatment beyond the 6th month.
authors.affiliation: CHS Le Vinatier, Bron.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dalery
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sechter
mesh_terms: D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012008:Recurrence; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents
vernacular_title: Modalités pratiques d'un traitement de consolidation.