[Selective and safe. Review of new antidepressive drugs]

Epidemiological studies suggest an incidence of major depressive disorders between 6% and 17%. A number of therapeutic modalities, including modern antidepressants, have been shown to be effective treatment for these conditions. Modern antidepressants are significantly more effective than placebo in the treatment of depression, and are equally as effective as the older tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants. Modern antidepressants, however, show superior efficacy for the long-term treatment of depression, probably because of their favorable side effect profile.