BACKGROUND: Antidepressants are commonly prescribed in general practice for depression, but also for a wide range of other psychiatric conditions and physical problems. OBJECTIVE: This review, although concentrating on the use of antidepressants in depression, also reviews their use in other conditions commonly seen in general practice. DISCUSSION: For most major depression, all antidepressant drugs have equal efficacy. The choice of antidepressant drug needs to be tailored to the particular patient's medical condition and personal preferences. It is likely that adverse effects are the major determinant in the choice of antidepressant for a particular patient. However, in treating conditions other than depression, the efficacy of the antidepressant drug can be the primary issue of drug choice.
BACKGROUND: Antidepressants are commonly prescribed in general practice for depression, but also for a wide range of other psychiatric conditions and physical problems. OBJECTIVE: This review, although concentrating on the use of antidepressants in depression, also reviews their use in other conditions commonly seen in general practice. DISCUSSION: For most major depression, all antidepressant drugs have equal efficacy. The choice of antidepressant drug needs to be tailored to the particular patient's medical condition and personal preferences. It is likely that adverse effects are the major determinant in the choice of antidepressant for a particular patient. However, in treating conditions other than depression, the efficacy of the antidepressant drug can be the primary issue of drug choice.