Can nonantidepressants help treat depression?

Abstract

lithium, triiodothyronine (T3), and atypical antipsychotics are all effective adjuncts. Lithium (serum levels >0.5 mEq/L) can produce clinical improvement when added to ineffective antidepressant treatment (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A, meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials [RCTs]). Thyroid supplementation using T3 at doses no higher than 50 mcg per day also increases the effectiveness of antidepressant therapy (SOR: B, meta- analysis of RCT and cohort studies). Atypical antipsychotic agents are less effective adjuncts for patients with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (SOR: B, meta-analysis of RCT and cohort studies).