A Comparison of Sertraline Versus Venlafaxine XR in the Treatment of Major Depression

A Multicenter Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group Study of Sertraline Versus Venlafaxine XR in the Acute Treatment of Outpatients With Major Depressive Disorder

To assess the comparative efficacy of sertraline versus venlafaxine XR on measures of quality of life.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Primary diagnosis of DSM-IV Major Depressive Disorder, single episode or recurrent, without psychotic features. Additional DSM-IV Axis I diagnoses will be permitted only if they are identified as secondary diagnoses.
• Hamilton-Depression rating scale (HAM-D; 17 item) total score ≥18 and HAMD item 1 (depressed mood) score ≥2.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Use of an antidepressant within 2 weeks of baseline (4 weeks for fluoxetine)
• Current or past diagnosis of bipolar disorder or any psychotic disorder.