Which class of medication is a first-line treatment for major depressive disorder?

SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are widely recognized as the first-line treatment for major depressive disorder due to their efficacy and favorable side effect profile. They work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which helps improve mood and alleviate the symptoms of depression.

SSRIs are generally preferred over other classes of antidepressants because they tend to cause fewer side effects, such as sedation and weight gain, which are more commonly associated with tricyclic antidepressants and MAO inhibitors. Additionally, SSRIs are considered safer in overdose situations compared to tricyclic antidepressants. This favorable safety profile, combined with their effectiveness, underscores their status as the primary choice for treating major depressive disorder in clinical practice.

It is important to recognize that while other categories, like tricyclic antidepressants and MAO inhibitors, can also be effective, they are typically not first-line due to their side effects and dietary restrictions, which can complicate patient adherence to treatment. Antipsychotics, while useful in certain cases of depression, are generally not used as a first-line treatment for major depressive disorder in the absence of specific indications.