Treatment of Depression: Newer Pharmacotherapies. Evidence Report/Technology211 Assessment No. 7

摘要

Depressive disorders are persistent, recurring illnesses that impose enormous211u001epersonal suffering on individuals and their families. Major depression alone is 211u001eestimated as the fourth most important cause of worldwide loss in disability-211u001eadjusted life years and is likely to become the second most important within 20 211u001eyears. A continued quest for more effective treatments has spawned newer 211u001eantidepressants and herbal treatments, which have contributed to explosive growth 211u001ein the prescribing of antidepressants, increasing pharmacy costs, and wider but 211u001esometimes confusing choices for clinicians and patients. This evidence report 211u001eprovides a comprehensive evaluation of the benefits and adverse effects of newer 211u001epharmacotherapies and herbal treatments for depressive disorders in adults and 211u001echildren.