[Effectiveness of antidepressants. Implications of two meta-analyses for clinical practice].
BACKGROUND
Following reports of new scientific research there are frequently discussions in the media about the effectiveness of antidepressants.


OBJECTIVE
To find out whether recently published meta-analyses about the effectiveness of antidepressants have consequences for clinical practice.


METHODS
Two recent meta-analyses which investigated the effectiveness of antidepressants are discussed. results The two studies were conducted along similar lines using similar methods. Both meta-analyses concluded that antidepressants are effective in the more serious type of depressive disorders. They are less effective in mild depressive disorders.


CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of these two meta-analyses it was concluded that antidepressants should be prescribed solely for patients with severe depressive disorders.
Thio
S
S
Opleiding Psychiatrie, Postbus 47.077, 1070 BB Amsterdam. s.thio@ggzingeest.nl
van Balkom
A J L M
AJ
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D017594:Publication Bias; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000928:Antidepressive Agents