Pharmacologic Treatment of Acute Major Depression and Dysthymia

This guidelines in based on an evidence report on pharmacotherapies for depression from the San Antonio Evidence-based Practice Center that was commissioned by the Agency for Healthcare Research. It reviews the evidence supporting the benefits of pharmacologic treatment, the data on the efficacy & side effects (including suicide) of “newer” compared with “older” pharmacotherapies, & suggests ways that the evidence can assist physicians & patients in making informed decisions about treatment options. (7 refs)