Defining Response and Attaining Therapeutic Goals for Depression

Abstract

Depression is a cyclic disease with treatment that progresses through an acute, continuation, and maintenance phase, all with different therapeutic goals. Many terms are used to define therapeutic goals and/or treatment response including response, remission, recovery, relapse, and recurrence. For a pharmacist to be effective in working with a patient and their health care team when managing depression, they must have a clear understanding of these terms. A pivotal role for the pharmacist is monitoring a patient’s response to treatment, especially during the acute phase when many stop their therapy. A careful assessment for response is needed 4 to 6 weeks after starting therapy and also 4 weeks after any dosage adjustment or change in antidepressant. Continued assessments for response and or relapse are needed throughout the continuation phase. By understanding the overall approach to treating depression, along with the specific terms associated with response, the pharmacist can make a meaningful contribution to a patient’s treatment strategy.