Advanced Topics in Major Depressive Disorder: Practical Strategies to Improve Remission

Major depressive disorder (MDD) has a far-reaching impact on individuals, families, and society but often remains undertreated despite guideline recommendations that say the goal of treatment is remission. The majority of patients will not achieve remission with initial treatment. Clinicians need to be aware of strategies to increase the likelihood of achieving remission in patients with MDD, such as regularly measuring response and assessing adverse effects and adherence. Switching an antidepressant is often indicated when an initial therapy is not efficacious or tolerated. Clinicians should be aware of current recommendations and the pharmacologic rationale for switching strategies. Additionally, clinicians need to be aware of the importance of non-mood symptoms. Non-mood manifestations of MDD include sleep disturbances, difficulty thinking, lack of energy, and change in appetite. These symptoms contribute to a substantial proportion of the economic burden associated with MDD and should be addressed for patients to achieve full remission and recovery. This activity was designed to meet the needs of participants in CME activities provided by the CME Institute of Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc., who have requested information on depression.