Geddes et al (2003)

Research method : Systematic review

Key terminology (biological treatment, antidepressants, side-effects, relapse)

- Biological treatment- based on the assumption that if the problem is based on biological
manufacturing, drug should be used to restore the biological system
- Antidepressants- medications are used to restore an appropriate chemical balance in the
brain
- Side-effects- negative effect of using a drug
- Relapse- symptom return after the medication is discontinued

Aim : to see whether antidepressants are affective in treating depression and preventing relapse

Procedure : Researchers carried out a systematic review of 31 randomized trials with 4410 patients

Results : It was concluded that antidepressants are an effective way to treat depression and prevent
relapse, drugs have been effective in reducing the number of hospital in-patients who are being
treated for psychological disorders

Strength : Big sample, high ecological validity

Limitations : Research bias, not controlled