Are SSRIs really more effective for anxious depression?
BACKGROUND
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are well-established first-line agents for Anxiety Disorders. Anxiety is also a frequent manifestation of major depression. Many psychiatrists assume that anxious depression is more responsive to SSRIs than to other antidepressants. The purpose of this literature review was to determine if SSRIs or any other antidepressants are superior.


METHODS
A computerized search was conducted of double-blind, English-language studies comparing antidepressants available in the United States. Databases searched included Medline and PsycINFO.


RESULTS
SSRIs were not found to be superior to other antidepressants in the treatment of anxious depression.


CONCLUSIONS
The above assumption is not supported. Treatment implications are discussed.
Panzer
Michael J
MJ
Fox Valley Psychiatric Associates, Appleton, WI 54915, USA. EPanzer@new.rr.com
D000639:Amitriptyline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D015283:Citalopram / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015897:Comorbidity; D016206:Databases, Bibliographic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005473:Fluoxetine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D017374:Paroxetine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D000639:Amitriptyline; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D015283:Citalopram; D005473:Fluoxetine; D017374:Paroxetine; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors