Commentary September 15, 2006

Use of Treatment Algorithms for Depression.

Madhukar H. Trivedi, MD; Maurizio Fava, MD; Lauren B. Marangell, MD; David N. Osser, MD; Richard C. Shelton, MD

J Clin Psychiatry 2006;67(9):1458-1465

Article Abstract

Because this piece does not have an abstract, we have provided for your benefit the first 3 sentences of the full text.

Dr. Trivedi: The effectiveness of treatment algorithms rests on 3 principles. The 3 broad categories requiring special attention are (1) the determination of the need for sequential treatment algorithms; (2) what should be the placement of various treatment interventions in treatment algorithms with sequenced treatments, e.g., at what point should combination treatments and somatic treatments be included; and finally, (3) what the process or procedure is to implement algorithms in the clinical setting, e.g., the use of recently developed measurement-based care.1

Dr. Osser: It is clear to me that there are significant differences between the likely outcome of people receiving treatment as usual (TAU) as opposed to algorithm-driven treatment.’ ‹