Images

Sequential treatment optimization scheme for major depressive disorder generated according to international evidence.

Key steps for managing factors that may confound antidepressant treatment response, including dose, side effects, comorbidities, stressors, adherence, pharmacogenomics, interactions, and treatment algorithms.

One hypothesis of the cycle of anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure) in patients with depression is illustrated in this image; this hypothesis comes from a series of experiments performed on a sample of psychology students.

As adjunctive treatment in MDD, some dopamine–serotonin receptor antagonists are associated with sedating side effects, while others are more often associated with ‘activating’ side effects.

In general, antidepressants function by increasing the availability of monoamines in the synapse; these monoamines are thought to be depleted in depression.