Korean Medication Algorithm for Depressive Disorder 2006 (IV) : The Choice of Antidepressand According to the Subtypes of Depression, Adverse Effects of Antidepressant and Treatment Strategies in Women

Objectives：In 2002, the Korean Medication Algorithm Project for Major depressive Disorder (KMAP-MD) was published, but there has been a need for a guideline about detailed issues of depressive disorder. We revised KMAP-MDD and reestablished Korean Medication Algorithm Project for Depressive Disorder (KMAP-DD) in 2006. Methods：A questionnaire had been developed by the executive committee for KMAP-DD. The review committee consisted of 101 experienced psychiatrists. From the total of 22 questions in the questionnaire, 7 questions were evaluated for these subjects . We classified the expert opinions to 3 categories according to its confidence interval; first, second and third line. Results：SSRI and venlafaxine were the first line antidepressants (AD) for atypical and melancholic depression. For dysthymic disorder and minor depressive disorder, SSRI was recommended as the first line medications. Only AD medications was a preferred initial strategy for treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder, mild to moderate and severe non-psychotic postpartum depression. In severe psychotic postpartum depression, combination therapy of AD and atypical antipsychotics was the treatment of choice. SSRI was preferred when considering sedation, anticholinergic and cardiovascular adverse effects. Also, experts recommended mirtazapine against gastrointestinal adverse effects and bupropion in avoiding sexual dysfunction. Conclusion：These results suggest that clinicians have to consider both clinical situations and drug adverse effects in the choice of antidepressant medications. (J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc 2007;46(6):610-616)