Understanding Depression Public Talk Summaries
CANMAT 2023 Guidelines for Depression
Presented by: Dr. Fabiano Gomes
Dr. Fabiano Gomes is a clinician-scientist and psychiatrist at McMaster University, as well as a recipient of the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation Young Investigator Award. He is also a member of CANMAT and serves on the early and mid-career committee of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders. Dr. Gomes presented on the CANMAT guidelines at the CAN-BIND Public Talk, Understanding Depression.
What are the CANMAT Guidelines for Depression?
The Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT: www.canmat.org) is a non-profit organization that develops evidence-based guidelines for treating mood and anxiety disorders. The CANMAT depression guidelines are the world’s most widely cited treatment guidelines for depression, with new ones published in 2023.
The guidelines are available here: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/07067437241245384.
What Do the Updated 2023 CANMAT Guidelines for Depression Cover?
The 2023 update to the guidelines provides a clear, research-backed roadmap for treating major depressive disorder (MDD). It answers 8 key questions about the patient journey, from diagnosis to recovery. Here’s what it covers:
- Diagnosing Depression: A careful assessment of symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors ensures the right diagnosis. Screening tools help identify depression accurately.
- How Depression is Treated: The best approach depends on the individual. First-line treatments include therapy, medication, or both. Lifestyle changes and patient education are also key.
- Choosing the Right Treatment: Doctors tailor treatment based on symptoms, past response to medication, and patient preferences. Newer guidance includes personalized medicine approaches.
- Digital Health Tools: Online therapy, mental health apps, and telemedicine can support treatment, especially for those with limited access to in-person care.
- Monitoring Progress: Regular check-ins help track improvement. If symptoms don’t improve, adjustments are made—switching medications, combining treatments, or adding therapy.
- What Happens When a Patient Feels Better: After recovery, treatment continues for at least 6-12 months to prevent relapse. Some may need long-term maintenance care.
- What Happens If Treatment Doesn’t Work: If the first treatment isn’t effective, doctors explore other options, including new medications, therapy combinations, or alternative strategies.
- When Advanced Treatments Are Used: For severe or treatment-resistant depression, neuromodulation therapies may be recommended.
A patient-friendly version of the guidelines, the CHOICE-D guide, is also available in English, French, and Chinese: www.canbind.ca/education-outreach/public-resources/choice-d-guide-depression-treatment-options.