title: Methodological problems in the estimation of the onset of the antidepressant effect.
abstract: The onset of activity of antidepressants is an aspect of their efficacy which is of practical as well as theoretical importance. Using MEDLINE a review of the literature published since 1975 was carried out in order to find out if a specific pattern can be observed. The authors point out what problems are most often encountered and illustrate the most common pitfalls. In the absence of a straightforward onset estimation, indirect arguments prevail which have several shortcomings. Methodological problems make it impossible to draw a clear conclusion.
authors.affiliation: University of Bonn, Germany.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Möller
mesh_terms: D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents