Table 3 Key points of strategies to improve outcomes in MDD

From: Prognosis and improved outcomes in major depression: a review

• Enormous improved outcomes are needed in MDD

• Candidate clinical, neuroimaging, blood, and genetic markers exist but need to be improved to be applicable for routine clinical care

• Early identification and treatment facilitate better outcomes

• The advantages of existing treatments may be harnessed by standardized sequential use

• Novel antidepressants—some with rapid-acting mechanisms—have high potential for approval

• Brain stimulation techniques such as TMS, TBS, ECT, and DBS are evolving and are an important, often underused treatment option

• Treatment strategies for chronic patients exist, but more research needs to focus on “third-line-and-beyond” therapeutics

Back to article page