Box 1. Features of an ideal antidepressant.

Sustained efficacy that minimises frequency of dosing and enhances compliance Well tolerated with minimal short-term and longer term side-effects Safe at clinical doses and ideally safe during overdose Simple for clinicians to administer and for patients to take, maximising compliance Minimal discontinuation symptoms, low-misuse potential and non-addictive Widely available and accessible, with good cost-effectiveness Effective at population level: community and/or primary care