Guidelines for the long-term treatment of depression.
Depression is frequently a recurrent and sometimes a chronic illness. Unfortunately, most research on treatment has focused almost exclusively on the short-term. For example, the majority of clinical trials of medications and psychotherapeutic approaches last only 6 to 16 weeks. Relatively little research has been conducted on continuation treatment (usually 3-6 months) to prevent relapses and on maintenance treatment (6-24 months) to prevent recurrences. This paper will review continuation and maintenance phase pharmacotherapeutic trials and will make recommendations for clinical treatment of patients during these periods.
Hirschfeld
R M
RM
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas, Medical Branch, Galveston 77555-0429.
D000328:Adult; D000639:Amitriptyline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005473:Fluoxetine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007099:Imipramine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D017374:Paroxetine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010919:Placebos; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012008:Recurrence; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D010919:Placebos; D005473:Fluoxetine; D000639:Amitriptyline; D017374:Paroxetine; D007099:Imipramine