Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) versus other antidepressants for depression
Key result
SSRIs showed no clinically significant differences in effectiveness compared to alternative antidepressants for depression (standardised effect size 0.035; 95% CI -0.006 to 0.076).
Why the study?
Do SSRIs improve depression severity compared to other antidepressants in patients with depressive disorders?
Population
9,554 patients with depressive disorders from 98 randomized controlled trials
Comparison
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and… vs Alternative antidepressants
Design
Meta-analysis
Authors
Discussion
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Implication
Supports SSRI first-line preference on tolerability; confirms equivalent efficacy versus alternatives in depression.
Study Design
Type
Meta-Analysis (n=9,554)
Structured PICO
Do SSRIs improve depression severity compared to other antidepressants in patients with depressive disorders?
P
Population
9,554 patients with depressive disorders from 98 randomized controlled trials
I
Intervention
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and related drugs
C
Comparator
Alternative antidepressants (including tricyclic antidepressants)
O
Outcome
Severity of depression (measured by mean Hamilton depression rating scale, mean Montgomery & Asberg depression rating scale, or Clinical Global Impression rating scale)patient reported
Main Result
Effect estimate: Standardised effect size 0.035 (95% CI -0.006 to 0.076)
p-value: p=< 0.001
There are no clinically significant differences in effectiveness between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants for the treatment of depression.
Cite This Study
Geddes et al. (2006) conducted a meta-analysis in depressive disorders (n=9,554). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) vs. Alternative antidepressants (including tricyclic antidepressants) was evaluated on Severity of depression (standardised mean difference of rating scales) (Standardised effect size 0.035, 95% CI -0.006 to 0.076, p=< 0.001). SSRIs showed no clinically significant differences in effectiveness compared to alternative antidepressants for depression (standardised effect size 0.035; 95% CI -0.006 to 0.076).