Which medication class is typically considered first-line treatment for depression?

SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are typically recognized as the first-line treatment for depression due to their favorable balance of efficacy and safety. This class of medications works by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain, which can help improve mood and alleviate depressive symptoms. They tend to have fewer side effects compared to older classes of antidepressants, making them more tolerable for many patients.

SSRIs are also generally the first choice for both new and recurring episodes of major depressive disorder, owing to their well-documented effectiveness in clinical trials and their relatively benign side effect profile. Additionally, they have a lower risk of toxicity in overdose situations compared to other classes of antidepressants, which contributes to their status as a first-line option.

In contrast, other treatment options such as TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants) and MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) are less commonly used as first-line therapies due to their higher risk of side effects and potential complications. ECT (electroconvulsive therapy), while effective, is usually reserved for severe cases of depression or when other treatments have failed, rather than being the initial treatment approach.