[Drug treatment of depression].
Depression is a frequent disorder, with a one-year prevalence rate ranging between 5 and 15%, according to studies in the general population. Its medical, social, and economic consequences make it a major public health problem. Depression is a recurrent disorder: 50% of patients have a recurrence within 2 years and 75% over a longer term. In 20% of cases the depression becomes chronic. The objective of antidepressant therapy is to obtain a complete remission of symptoms. Treatment of an episode of major depression takes place in two stages: acute treatment for 2-3 months; followed by consolidation treatment for 4-5 months. Continuation of antidepressant treatment after return to an asymptomatic condition (consolidation treatment) is necessary to prevent relapses in the short term and recurrences in the long term.
Agbokou
Catherine
C
Service de psychiatrie adulte, Hôpital Pitié-Salpétrière, Université Paris VI, F-75013 Paris, France. catherine.agbokou@psl.aphp.fr
Fossati
Philippe
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic
D000928:Antidepressive Agents