Citation

Paris J. Can. J. Psychiatry 2014; 59(3): 148-151.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Canadian Psychiatric Association, Publisher SAGE Publications)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

24881163

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of classification on treatment in major depressive disorder (MDD).

METHOD: This is a narrative review.

RESULTS: MDD is a highly heterogeneous category, leading to problems in classification and in specificity of treatment. Current models classify all depressions within a single category. However, the construct of MDD obscures important differences between severe disorders that require pharmacotherapy, and mild-to-moderate disorders that can respond to psychotherapy or remit spontaneously. Patients with mild-to-moderate MDD are being treated with routine or overly aggressive pharmacotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS: The current classification fails to address the heterogeneity of depression, leading to mistreatment.

Language: en