Treatment Duration and Monitoring for Major Depressive Disorder

Standard Treatment Guidelines

• The American College of Physicians, as published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, recommends continuing treatment for 4-9 months after satisfactory response in first-episode major depressive disorder; patients with 2 or more episodes may benefit from years to lifelong therapy 1, 2, 3, 4
• Assess patient status, therapeutic response, and adverse effects within 1-2 weeks of initiation, as suggested by the Annals of Internal Medicine 1, 2, 3
• Monitor closely for suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially during the first 1-2 months when risk is highest, according to the Annals of Internal Medicine 1, 2
• Modify treatment if inadequate response after 6-8 weeks, as recommended by the Annals of Internal Medicine 1, 2, 3, 4