title: Pharmacological approaches to the treatment of residual symptoms.
abstract: Despite the efficacy of currently available antidepressant treatment, residual symptoms are common among individuals treated for major depressive disorder and are associated with an increased risk of relapse and poor psychosocial functioning. However, distinguishing treatment-emergent side effects from residual symptoms can be challenging for clinicians. Anxiety, sleep disturbance, somnolence/fatigue, apathy and cognitive dysfunction are among the more frequent residual symptoms. Approaches to the management of residual symptoms include addressing treatment-emergent side effects and co-morbid conditions, optimizing antidepressant dosing and using augmentation therapy. Clinicians are often guided in their decisions by anecdotal impressions. Studies assessing the evaluation and treatment of residual symptoms and side effects will contribute importantly to the optimal acute and long-term management of depression.
authors.affiliation: Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA. MFava@partners.org
authors.forename: Maurizio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fava
mesh_terms: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001007:Anxiety / Q000188:drug therapy; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005221:Fatigue / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D000077408:Modafinil; D011725:Pyridines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000077334:Zolpidem
chemical_list: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D011725:Pyridines; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D000077334:Zolpidem; D000077408:Modafinil