In treating depression, a 6 to 9 month course of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors following initial recovery after a first episode of depression is confirmed by this study. This systematic review, based on six classic long-term randomized controlled trials, supports current clinical practice guidelines. Previous reviews have been dominated by short-term trials despite the fact that depression is a long-term problem.
“Our observations, based on limited evidence, support current recommendations that treatment continue for at least 6-9 months after recovery from an episode of depression, particularly in those without major comorbidities,” conclude the researchers.
Canadian Medical Association Journal