Comprehensive analysis of remission (COMPARE) with venlafaxine versus SSRIs.

Background: To compare venlafaxine and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, and citalopram) in the treatment of depression.

Methods And Materials: Meta-analysis of 34 randomized, double-blind studies identified by a worldwide search of all research sponsored by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals through January 2007. Patients were treated with venlafaxine (n = 4191; mean dose 151 mg/day) or SSRIs (n = 3621); nine studies also included a placebo control group (n = 932).

Gender differences in depression and response to antidepressant treatment.

Throughout their childbearing years, women are twice as likely as men to experience an episode of major depression. The exact etiology of this difference is unclear, but psychosocial and neurobiologic factors likely contribute. Clinicians should consider gender differences in the phenomenology of depression and response to antidepressant treatment when screening for depressive illness, selecting appropriate treatment and assessing therapeutic response.

Gender-specific differences in depression and treatment response.

Epidemiologic studies have shown that the prevalence of depression is about twice as high in women than in men. Both neurobiologic and psychosocial factors may contribute to this difference. Gender differences in depression have also been noted with regard to symptom presentation, comorbid disorders, course of illness, and response to treatment.

Remission as the critical outcome of depression treatment.

Major depressive disorder is currently the fourth largest contributor to the worldwide burden of disease. Direct and indirect costs associated with depression place a significant burden on the health care system and society. Despite the development of new antidepressant medications, the management of patients with depression remains a therapeutic challenge.