Psychiatr. praxi 2019; 20(2): 56-59 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2019.013

What prevents more successful pharmacological treatment of depressive disorder?

MUDr. Petr Šilhán, Ph.D.^1,2, MUDr. Martin Hýža^1,2, MUDr. Tomáš Skřont^1,2, Mgr. Jan Vantuch¹

¹ Oddělení psychiatrické FN Ostrava

² Katedra neurologie a psychiatrie Lékařské fakulty Ostravské univerzity

Depressive states belong to most common reasons for psychiatric care seeking. However, the treatment of depressive disorder remains insufficiently successful. Antidepressants are considered as comparably efficacious, but most studies assessing the treatment effectiveness neglect a heterogeneity of depressive conditions. Biomarker research has not yielded a significant shift in disease diagnostic, treatment or prognosis yet. Therefore, a comprehensive application of currently available options and the treatment individualization are the main remaining way. A specific clinical presentation might be a guide for correct treatment option. Patients´ expectations, including their concerns about specific side effects, and known risks of drug interactions play an important role as well. However, the wide range of drugs that are actively considered by a physician at every step of the treatment are a necessary assumption for a personalised treatment. Therefore, it is important not to persist in accustomed stereotypes but to update personal treatment procedures regularly.

Keywords: depression, antidepressants, treatment guidelines, personalized treatment

Published: June 1, 2019  Show citation