PHILADELPHIA, PA--(Marketwire - November 18, 2008) - The American College of Physicians is publishing a new guideline for the treatment of depression in Annals of Internal Medicine. ACP found no substantial differences in efficacy or quality of life among "second-generation" antidepressants used to treat depressive disorders such as major depressive disorder. ACP recommends that physicians make treatment decisions based on side effects, cost, and patient preferences, and make necessary changes in therapy if the response is not sufficient after six to eight weeks. Doctors should also assess patient status and adverse effects on a regular basis starting within one to two weeks of starting the treatment.
