Evidence-based somatic treatment of depression in adults

摘要

This article reviews recent studies and controversies about the effectiveness of antjdepressant medications for depression. These medications are used for treatment of a swide variety of noncfepressive conditions. Most notably, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are often prescribed for most anxiety disorders, and they are clearly effective in this sphere, with robust differences between active drugs and placebos in controlled clinical trials. As one studies the contentious literature on antidepressants for depression, it is important to not lose sight of the fact that the very term "antidepres-sant" has become anachronistic. These drugs are actually broad-spectrum emotional and physical pain^relieving agents with efficacy in depression, anxiety, insomnia, as well several nonpsychiatric pain syndromes such as migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, neuropathies, and fibromyalgia.