Psychopharmacotherapy for Depressive Patients

Inclusion Criteria: * 19 to 65 years * Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV criteria for major depressive disorder by study psychiatrists * Score≥17 on Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 * With ability to understand the objective of the study and sign informed consent * Initiation of an antidepressant treatment for the current episode or no psychotropics excluding sleep pills or benzodiazepines within 1 month of participation Exclusion Criteria: * Current or lifetime diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder, psychotic disorder not otherwise specified, or other psychotic disorders * current major depressive disorder with psychotic features * History of organic psychosis, epilepsy, or seizure disorder * Current anorexia nervosa or obsessive compulsive disorder * Unstable or uncontrolled medical condition * Unable to complete the psychiatric assessment or comply with the medication regimen due to a severe physical illness * History of anticonvulsant treatment * Electroconvulsive therapy for the current depressive episode * Hospitalization for any psychiatric diagnosis except depressive disorder (e.g., alcohol/drug dependence) * severly high risk of suicide, self-harm or homicide by investigator's assessment * Pregnant or breastfeeding * lack of treatment information on the current depressive episode