[Modern antidepressant treatment].
OBJECTIVE
A systematic review on empirical results of current guidelines and recommendations with focus on efficacy and tolerability of antidepressant pharmacological treatment options.


METHODS
A critical, systematic evaluation of peer reviewed surveys, meta-analyses and guidelines is provided with the focus on evidence based consequences for the psychiatric clinical practice in the treatment of major depressive episodes.


RESULTS
Most of modern and classic antidepressants have not proved differences in studies regarding comparative effectiveness. In contrast clinical decisions are increasingly guided by differences of tolerability, which are clearly documented in the current literature. Many algorithm based treatment options exist to face the common problem of treatment resistance.


CONCLUSIONS
The multitude of effective antidepressant options provides an individual and patient orientated treatment. To achieve an optimal utilization of these options, an orientation on multi-step treatment plans is useful.
Pilhatsch
Max
M
Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden.
Bauer
Michael
M
D000465:Algorithms; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome