We want to keep the inclusion criteria pragmatic and broad to reflect the current dilemma in clinical practice.
Eligible patients are those who:
- are aged 18 to 74 years
- are being treated for depression
- have had at least 2 episodes of depression
- have been taking antidepressants for 9 months or more
- are currently taking either citalopram 20mg, sertraline 100mg, fluoxetine 20mg or mirtazapine 30mg per day
- would consider stopping medication
Excluded are patients who:
- still meet ICD10 criteria for a depressive illness despite treatment
- have other psychiatric disorders, i.e. psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar, mania, hypomania, dementia or terminal illness
- have significant alcohol or substance abuse as their primary problem/s
- are not able to complete the study questionnaires; or currently enrolled in another IMP trial
- are taking contraindicated medications: monoamine oxidase inhibitors
- women who are currently pregnant or planning pregnancy