The antidepressant debate continues

Abstract

Comments briefly on the editorial by J. Moncrieff (see record 2002-12088-001) in which doubts are raised regarding the efficacy of antidepressant drugs, and the argument is made that side-effects of the active drug may explain some of the differences owing to the associated increased expectancy of a positive effect. The present author notes results of a study performed by he and his colleagues (Malt et al, 1999) that do not support Dr. Moncrieff's arguments. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2003 APA, all rights reserved) antidepressant drugs; efficacy; research; methodological problems; placebo effect; escalation in prescribing; antidepressant specificity; adverse effects; ethics