Antidepressants might work for people with major depression: where do we go from here? (Comment)

Abstract

The publication of our updated network meta-analysis about antidepressants for the acute treatment of major depression has generated a wide discussion in newspapers, social media, and scientific journals. Based on 522 trials and more than 116 000 patients, this network meta-analysis of 21 drugs and placebo represents the most comprehensive analysis of the evidence base ever undertaken. We take the opportunity of this Comment not to repeat our findings but to reflect on the implications of this research and, most importantly, on what needs to be done next to improve the outcome of patients with major depression.