In depression one size does not fit all — antidepressants are not all equal

摘要

Depression is an illness and as such is amenable to pharmacological or psychological intervention. If such interventions are accurately directed by guidelines, it is commonly supposed outcomes should be favourable. However, the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence states that depression is a broad and heterogeneous condition, the prognosis of which is significantly influenced by diverse biological, psychological and social factors not captured well by current diagnostic systems.