THE ANTIDEPRESSANT DECISION TREE

The Antidepressant Decision Tree: A Practical Framework for Choosing the Next Antidepressant

Selecting the next antidepressant is rarely about finding a universally "better" medication. It is about identifying the specific barrier preventing recovery and matching treatment to the patient's remaining symptoms, prior response, and tolerability profile. This practical framework guides clinicians through key decision points, including assessing trial adequacy, evaluating residual symptoms, addressing cognitive impairment, considering sexual side effects, recognizing partial response patterns, and accounting for real-world access barriers. Using vortioxetine as an example of symptom-targeted prescribing, this guide emphasizes a structured, patient-centered approach to antidepressant selection that goes beyond symptom reduction and focuses on functional recovery.

For educational purposes only. Not individual medical advice.