The Korean Medication Algorithm for Major Depressive Disorder (KMA-MDD): Report of the Korean Society of Depressive and Bipolar Disorders

Abstract

Objective. There are many differences in biological characteristics, clinical situations, and medical insurance systems with ethnic groups or countries. The Korean Society of Depressive and Bipolar Disorders decided to develop a Korean treatment algorithm for major depressive disorder. Methods. The Korean Medication Algorithm Project for Major Depressive Disorder (KMAP-MDD) was designed with the following principles: (1) to be an ideal algorithm, (2) to be a Korean algorithm, (3) to be a medication algorithm, (4) to be an evidence-based and formal consensus algorithm. After collecting and reviewing many literature citations and reports by evidence-based rule, we constructed a survey questionnaire for formal consensus of Korean experts. By employing panels of experts to review the evidence and survey results thoroughly, we used evidence-based algorithm development as a component of a formal consensus development process. Results. We developed two algorithms for the KMA-MDD: one for major depressive disorder without psychotic feature and the other for major depressive disorder with psychotic features. Clinical guidelines for the implementation of KMA-MDD were also developed. The KMA-MDD provides specific treatment strategies for each stage. Conclusions. The KMA-MDD is the first Korean algorithm for treatment of major depressive disorder. It is based on evidence which supports the efficacy of each treatment, and it has obtained the consensus of Korean experts. We hope that the KMA-MDD will be good practical tool for clinicians who treat major depressive disorder in Korea.

• Korean Medication Algorithm
• Major depressive disorder

Acknowledgement: the Executive Committee for the Korean Medication Algorithm Project for Major Depressive Disorder

Min-Soo Lee, M.D., PhD. (chair), Dept. of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea; Sang-Keun Chung, M.D., PhD. (co-chair), Dept. of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Chonbuk University, Chonju, Korea; Ji-Hyun Cha, M.D., Chang-Su Han, M.D., Seung-Hyun Kim, M.D., PhD., Rhee-Hun Kang, M.D, Dept. of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea; Seung-Ho Ryu, M.D., PhD., Dept. of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea; Seung-Hwan Lee, M.D., PhD., Kang-Joon Lee, M.D., PhD., Dept. of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Inje University, Seoul, Korea; Byung-Joo Ham, M.D., PhD., Sang-Kyu Lee, M.D.,PhD., Dept. of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul, Korea; Seok-Hyeon Kim, M.D., PhD., Dept. of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea; Ik-Seung Chee, M.D., PhD., Dept. of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Chungnam University, Daejeon, Korea; Kyung-Joon Min, M.D., PhD., Dept. of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea; Jung-Bum Kim, M.D., PhD., Dept. of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu, Korea; Chan-Hyung Kim, M.D., PhD., Dept. of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea; Won-Myong Bahk, M.D., PhD., Chul Lee, M.D, PhD., Kwang-Su Kim, M.D., PhD., Dept. of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea; Young-Chul Shin, M.D., PhD., Dept. of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea; Han-Yong Jung, M.D., PhD., Dept. of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Bucheon, Korea; Kyoo-Seob Ha, M.D., PhD., Dept. of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Seoul National University.