Second-generation antidepressants and cognitive behavioural therapy are both viable choices for initial treatment of major depression

There is a pressing need to generate clear hierarchies of the benefits and harms of available treatments to implement optimal clinical practice. Second-generation antidepressants (SGAs) and cognitive –behavioural therapy (CBT) have proven efficacy in the treatment of major depression.1 However, comparative benefits and harms of SGAs and CBT for the initial treatment for major depression remain unclear. Amick and colleagues carried out a systematic review and evaluated 11 randomised control led trials to compare the benefits and harms of SGAs and CBT for the initial treatment of major depressive disorder in 1511 adults. The study included papers published prior to January 2015 and identified using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, PsycINFO an d CINAHL. Clinical trial registries, conference proceedings and relevant review articles were also searched for unpublished studies. SGAs were agents approved for the treatment of major depression by the food and drug administration. CBT included problem-solving therapy, rational emotive therapy, re ality therapy, restructuring, role plays, schemas, self-control and stress management according to the Cochrane Collaboration Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Group classification system.2 At least two independent reviewers assessed the studies for eligibility, extracted data and evaluated the quali ty of all included trials using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool ( 2 External 0 0 0 http://handbo...
Source: Current Awareness Service for Health (CASH) - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news