Breaking the myths: new treatment
approaches for chronic depression
by
Michalak EE, Lam RW.
Division of Mood Disorders,
Department of Psychiatry,
University of British Columbia,
2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1.
emichala@interchange.ubc.ca
Can J Psychiatry 2002 Sep;47(7):635-43

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Chronic depressive disorders are common, accounting for approximately one-third of all cases of depression and posing a major public health problem. In the past, chronic depression has been thought to be treatment-resistant, and evidence suggests that it is currently underdiagnosed, misdiagnosed, and suboptimally treated. OBJECTIVES: To review the subtypes of chronic depression and the evidence-base concerning their optimal treatment and to discuss some key clinical issues and areas of future research. METHODS: We identified key studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) by systematically searching electronic databases and hand searching specialist journals and bibliographies. RESULTS: Chronic depressive disorders respond well to standard pharmacologic interventions in the acute and maintenance phases of treatment. Standard psychotherapies alone may not be efficacious for chronic depression (especially dysthymia). Recent evidence suggests that treatment combining psychotherapy and medications may be superior to either treatment alone. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic depressive disorders are amenable to treatment, provided that intervention is both thorough and intensive. Although our knowledge about the optimal treatment of chronic depression has developed rapidly, changes in clinical practice have been slower to evolve. Further research is required to assess the effectiveness of multimodal interventions for chronic depression in more naturalistic settings.

TCAs
SSRIs
RIMAs
Options
Bupropion
Amineptine
Reboxetine
Mechanisms
Nefazodone
Mirtazapine
Venlafaxine
Mood disorders
5-HT/dopamine
Antidepressants
Tranylcypromine
Atypical depression
Retarded depression
New antidepressants
Refractory depression
The monoamine theory of depression

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