Table 1.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Inclusion

current major depressive episode symptom severity score of 17 or more on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), with item #1 ≥ 2.

Exclusion

Bipolar Disorder any psychotic symptoms (e.g. depression with psychotic features or an Axis I psychotic illness) dementia delirium substance-related disorders, eating disorders, cluster A or B Axis II disorders treatment with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the prior six months any past history of craniotomy, skull fracture, seizures, or significant neurological illness past history of suicidal intent, plan, or attempt. The development of active suicidal ideation during the study was a criterion for unblinding and initiating open-label treatment.

Identical criteria were employed in both the fluoxetine and venlafaxine trial groups [10].