Clinical importance of long-term antidepressant treatment

Background Depression, which only a few decades ago was considered to be a short-term illness requiring short-term treatment, is now recognised as a recurrent, sometimes chronic, long-term illness. Aims To highlight the clinical importance of long-term antidepressant therapy in the treatment of depression. Method The current literature was reviewed to examine the relationship between duration of antidepressant therapy and efficacy. Results Approximately one-third to a half of patients successfully stabilised in acute-phase treatment will relapse if medication is not sustained throughout the continuation period. Only 10-15% will relapse if medication is continued. For maintenance-phase therapy, approximately 60% of patients at risk Mi I experience a recurrent episode of depression within I year if untreated, whereas those who continue in treatment will have a recurrence rate of between 10% and 30%. Conclusions Risk of relapse and recurrence of depression can be significantly reduced if adequate continuation and maintenance therapy durations are achieved. Declaration of interest R.M.A.H. received an honorarium and travel expenses from Eli Lilly & Co.