Nonpharmacological Versus Pharmacological Treatment for Patients With Major Depressive Disorder: Current State of the Evidence - Clinician Summary | AHRQ Effective Health Care Program

Nonpharmacological Versus Pharmacological Treatment for Patients With Major Depressive Disorder: Current State of the Evidence - Clinician Summary | AHRQ Effective Health Care Program

Clinician Summary – Sept. 13, 2016

Nonpharmacological Versus Pharmacological Treatment for Patients With Major Depressive Disorder: Current State of the Evidence

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Table of Contents

• Focus of This Summary
• Background
• Conclusions
• Overview of Clinical Research Evidence
• Other Findings of the Review
• Gaps in Knowledge and Limitations of the Evidence Base
• What To Discuss With Your Patients and Their Caregivers
• Source

Focus of This Summary

This is a summary of a systematic review evaluating the evidence regarding the comparative benefits and adverse effects of second-generation antidepressants (SGAs) and of psychological, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and exercise treatment options as first-step interventions for adult outpatients with acute-phase major depressive disorder (MDD) and as second-step interventions for patients with MDD who did not achieve remission after a first treatment attempt with SGAs. The systematic review included 44 trials published between January 1, 1990, and January 13, 2015. Patients in the included studies had mild to severe MDD. This summary is provided to assist in informed clinical decisionmaking. However, reviews of evidence should not be construed to represent clinical recommendations or guidelines.