Economic outcomes associated with tricyclic antidepressant and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatments for depression.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the economic outcomes associated with the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the treatment of depression.


METHODS
A literature review of pertinent studies was performed. The advantages and disadvantages of clinical trials versus observational studies are described, and the breadth of the economic outcome measure chosen for the conclusions reached is discussed.


RESULTS
The inclusion and exclusion criteria of clinical trials, in combination with their strict provider and patient study protocols, limit their generalizability to naturalistic treatment settings. Retrospective studies of patients can provide valuable information about the experiences and costs incurred by patients in actual treatment. However, confounding factors (both observable and unobservable) limit the amount of confidence that can be placed in inferences about treatment effects. Randomized prospective studies with naturalistic follow-on may help to mitigate some of the concern about treatment confounders which has traditionally been associated with non-randomized observational studies.


CONCLUSIONS
Retrospective studies and one randomized prospective study of the economic outcomes of TCA versus SSRI treatment have found the SSRIs to be less expensive than TCAs when total direct medical expenditures are considered. However, additional studies are needed to address this issue.
Crown
W H
WH
Outcomes Research and Econometrics, Cambridge, MA, USA.
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors