Individual Differences In Response To Antidepressants: A Meta-Analysis Of Placebo-Controlled Randomi

Given the common use of antidepressants to treat major depressive disorder, researchers here examined if response to antidepressants varies systematically based on individual differences. A recent network meta-analysis of acute treatment with licensed antidepressants in adults with major depressive disorder provided data for this study. They performed a meta-analysis of 87 randomized clinical trials (17,540 unique participants) on the use of antidepressants in individuals with major depression. Fourteen percent more variability was noted in response to antidepressants than to placebo. No moderating effect of baseline severity of depression on this variability was noted. However, higher variability was observed in response to noradrenergic agents vs selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and antidepressants classified as other. Further, lower variability was noted in studies published more recently. These findings suggest a possible systematic correlation of individual differences with responses to antidepressants in major depressive disorder beyond placebo effects or statistical factors. This study yields empirical support for recognizing moderators and personalizing antidepressant therapy.

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