Considering the methodological limitations in the evidence base of antidepressants for depression: a reanalysis of a network meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To investigate whether the conclusion of a recent systematic review and network meta-analysis (Cipriani et al) that antidepressants are more efficacious than placebo for adult depression was supported by the evidence.

Design

Reanalysis of a systematic review, with meta-analyses.

Data sources

522 trials (116 477 participants) as reported in the systematic review by Cipriani et al and clinical study reports for 19 of these trials.

Analysis

We used the Cochrane Handbook's risk of bias tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to evaluate the risk of bias and the certainty of evidence, respectively. The impact of several study characteristics and publication status was estimated using pa

SUBMITTER: Munkholm K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6597641 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature