[How do Argentinean psychiatrists treat depression?]

The objective of this study was to examine the prescribing practices of Argentinean psychiatrists in the treatment of major depression and to observe similarities and/or differences with some consensus or treatment guidelines.

Four hundred two psychiatrists were surveyed during a specialty meeting in October 2005.

A total of 88.2 % of psychiatrists surveyed considered that every depressed patient must be treated with medication. The most prescribed antidepressants for outpatients were paroxetine, sertraline and fluoxetine. Venlafaxine was included for inpatients. The majority of psychiatrists indicated antidepressant therapy lasting from 12 to 24 months after remission of the first depressive episode. Antidepressant dosages remained unchanged during that period. A low percentage had used lithium or thyroid hormones as augmentation medications, the addition of other antidepressant being the most used augmentation strategy. The most prescribed antidepressant combination was dual antidepressants and SSRIs. Prescribing practices differed according to personal factors of the physicians.

Discrepancies between clinical practice and treatment guidelines were observed. Further research over the underlying causes of these discrepancies and mechanisms to reduce them are necessary.