[New antidepressive drugs]

Five of the available eight substance groups known as antidepressants has been developed during the last years: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI), serotonin antagonists, reversible selective inhibitors of monoaminooxidase A (RIMA) and St. Johns word. Two main ideas were important for their development: more specific biochemical effects and less side effects. This development is going further. During the next years at least three new substance groups with new biochemical effects will come on the market. The growing spectrum of antidepressants is important for avoiding therapy resistant depression.